Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg Considered Instagram Spinoff Amid Ongoing Antitrust Scrutiny, Documents Reveal

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In 2018, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg seriously considered spinning off Instagram, fearing increasing antitrust scrutiny, according to a document presented during a trial in Washington. The document was revealed on the second day of Zuckerberg’s testimony in a high-profile case where the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is attempting to reverse Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. This legal battle aims to undo the mergers, which the FTC claims reduced competition in the social media market.

The memo, shown during the trial, revealed Zuckerberg’s candid thoughts on the matter. In it, he mused, “I wonder if we should consider the extreme step of spinning Instagram out as a separate company.” At the time, Meta was contemplating a major reorganization, aiming to better integrate its social media platforms. However, Zuckerberg also acknowledged that consolidating the apps could foster “strong business growth,” even though it could risk undermining Facebook’s flagship app and its broader family of services.

Despite these concerns, Meta ultimately decided against spinning off Instagram, choosing instead to push forward with its integration plans the following year. The decision not to break off Instagram underscores Zuckerberg’s assessment of the antitrust risks at play. The document reflects his awareness of the potential legal and regulatory challenges Meta might face, with antitrust pressure mounting in the tech industry.

Zuckerberg’s memo also highlighted a broader concern about the future of big tech. He expressed that, with rising calls to dismantle large tech corporations, it was likely that Meta could face forced separations in the future. Specifically, he noted that a shift in U.S. leadership, particularly under a “next Democratic president,” could lead to actions to break up major tech companies, including Meta’s prized acquisitions like Instagram and WhatsApp.

Stone Age Beliefs Tied to Ancient Amber Bear Figurine Unearthed in Poland

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In 1887, workers digging through a peat bog made a remarkable discovery — a small carved amber bear, believed to date back to the Stone Age. Thought to have been worn as a protective charm, the bear reflects the reverence early humans had for the powerful and fearsome animal. This artifact was later affectionately named “Słupcio,” meaning “little guy from Słupsk,” by a Polish kindergartner who won a naming contest. Today, the amber bear is displayed at the National Museum in Szczecin, located about 220 kilometers from where it was originally found.

The discovery of Słupcio ties into broader archaeological findings from the Pomerania region along the southern Baltic Sea. During the Stone Age, most people lived as hunters, leaving behind few traces of their daily lives. However, sites along the Baltic coast have revealed an array of tools, pottery, and amber objects washed ashore. A 2023 study by archaeologists Daniel Groß and Peter Vang Petersen uncovered several similar amber bear figurines, suggesting these objects date back to the Paleolithic era — between roughly 50,000 and 12,000 years ago — highlighting a longstanding tradition of animal representation in prehistoric cultures.

Słupcio’s journey through history is just as fascinating as its ancient origins. At the end of World War II, the artifact, along with many others, was taken from Poland by German forces and housed in the Stralsund Museum. It remained there for decades until its eventual return to Szczecin in 2009. In Germany, it was referred to as “Bernsteinbär,” meaning “amber bear,” and scholars confirmed its ancient roots. Despite being discovered over a century ago, debates about the exact age and origin of the carving continue to intrigue experts.

Today, the amber bear has become a beloved cultural symbol. Measuring 10.2 centimeters in length, 4.2 centimeters in height, and weighing 85 grams, the figurine features a hole through its midsection — likely used to string it as a necklace or attach it to clothing or gear. The material’s translucent glow when polished and its distinct fragrance when burned gave amber a mystical quality, turning it into a Stone Age amulet believed to hold protective powers. The bear not only represents ancient craftsmanship but also offers a glimpse into the spiritual beliefs of early humans navigating a world filled with powerful natural forces.

SpaceX Set to Launch NASA Cargo Mission to the International Space Station This Month

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NASA has officially scheduled the next commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), with SpaceX once again taking the lead. The mission, known as CRS-32, is set to launch on April 21, 2025, at 4:15 a.m. EDT (1:45 p.m. IST). SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft will be packed with more than 6,400 pounds (about 2,902 kilograms) of supplies, science tools, and hardware vital for ongoing experiments aboard the ISS. The spacecraft will ride atop a Falcon 9 rocket launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, continuing a crucial partnership that supports the station’s research and daily operations.

The CRS-32 mission carries an impressive array of scientific equipment aimed at pushing the boundaries of space research. A major highlight is a robotic maneuvering demonstration that will test improvements to free-floating robots, enhancing autonomous operations in microgravity. Additionally, the Dragon capsule will deliver an air quality monitoring system designed to safeguard astronaut health during future missions to the Moon and Mars. Another important payload includes two atomic clocks, which will help verify Einstein’s theory of relativity and advance the precision of timekeeping technologies critical for deep-space navigation.

Following its launch, the Dragon spacecraft is expected to reach the ISS the next day. After lifting off, Dragon will approach the space station and is scheduled to dock autonomously at the zenith port of the Harmony module by 6:45 a.m. EDT on April 22. NASA will provide full coverage of the launch and docking events through its NASA+ streaming platform, beginning at 3:55 a.m. EDT on launch day. Mission controllers will closely monitor every phase of the journey to ensure a smooth arrival and successful integration with the ISS.

For those eager to witness a piece of space history, NASA is offering a front-row seat via its live broadcast. The livestream will capture both the thrilling launch and the intricate docking process in real-time, offering viewers an inside look at how SpaceX and NASA are collaborating to sustain human presence in low Earth orbit. With so many scientific advancements riding aboard CRS-32, this mission represents not just a resupply effort, but a major step forward in humanity’s journey into deeper space.