Ask HN: Can Facebook ever regain consumer trust?

Exactly. I think the question is built on a false premise.

Reaction after FB acquired whatsapp of the userbase jumping ship to telegram and other similar apps.

Reaction from userbase of Oculus Rift after FB acquired the company.

It was a very small part of the userbase which decided to replace WhatsApp. AFAIK it did not harm their growth in any significant way.

check reddit.com/r/technology every day for a week and youll know what I mean.