Meta Platforms

Meta Platforms, Inc., doing business as Meta, and formerly named Facebook, Inc., and TheFacebook, Inc., is an American multinational technology conglomerate based in Menlo Park, California. The company owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp, among other products and services. Meta ranks among the largest American information technology companies, alongside other Big Five corporations Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft. The company was ranked #31 on the Forbes Global 2000 ranking in 2023. In 2022, Meta was the company with the third-highest expenditure on research and development worldwide, with R&D expenditure amounting to US$35.3 billion.
meta-platforms

Some of the key events about Meta Platforms

  • 2004
    Launched Facebook as a social networking platform for college students
  • 2006
    Opened Facebook registration to anyone over 13 years old with a valid email address
  • 2010
    Introduced the "Like" button, revolutionizing user engagement on social media
  • 2011
    Settled a lawsuit over its "Sponsored Stories" feature for $20 million
  • 2012
    Acquired Instagram, expanding its social media portfolio
  • 2012
    Acquired Instagram for $1 billion, raising antitrust concerns
  • 2014
    Acquired WhatsApp, further expanding its messaging capabilities
  • 2014
    Conducted controversial emotional manipulation study on users without explicit consent
  • 2015
    Launched Internet.org initiative to provide free internet access in developing countries
  • 2016
    Introduced Facebook Live, allowing users to broadcast live video to their audience
  • 2016
    Faced criticism for allowing the spread of fake news during the U.S. presidential election
  • 2017
    Launched Oculus Rift, bringing virtual reality technology to consumers
  • 2018
    Cambridge Analytica scandal revealed improper access to data of millions of users
  • 2018
    Admitted to storing millions of user passwords in plain text, compromising security
  • 2019
    Agreed to pay $5 billion fine to FTC for privacy violations
  • 2020
    Committed $100 million to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • 2021
    Rebranded as Meta, signaling a shift towards developing the metaverse
  • 2021
    Whistleblower leaked internal documents revealing knowledge of platform's negative effects
  • 2021
    Rebranded as Meta amid growing controversies, seen by some as an attempt to distract
  • 2023
    Fined €1.2 billion by EU for violating GDPR data transfer rules

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Meta Platforms Latest news

Trump's new energy pick triggers fresh debate about America's power future

Trump's new energy pick triggers fresh debate about America's power future

Former president picks Liberty Energy CEO for energy secretary role‚ but experts point to bigger power-grid issues. Growing AI needs and aging infrastructure create new challenges for US energy system

Business, Politics • November 20 2024 , 02:18 PM  •  1752 views
Trump's new energy pick opens door to biggest power grid shake-up in decades

Trump's new energy pick opens door to biggest power grid shake-up in decades

After picking Liberty Energyʼs boss as energy secretary Trump faces unique power-grid problems. Rising costs and tech-driven demand create pressure to rebuild Americas aging electrical system

Business, Politics, Science • November 20 2024 , 02:05 PM  •  1793 views
EU hits Meta with massive fine over Facebook Marketplace unfair practices

EU hits Meta with massive fine over Facebook Marketplace unfair practices

European regulators slapped Meta with a huge monetary penalty for breaking competition rules. The tech-giant misused its Facebook platform to gain unfair advantage in classified ads business

Business, Economics • November 14 2024 , 03:18 PM  •  837 views
After Trump's win, X platform sees biggest traffic and user exodus of 2024

After Trump's win, X platform sees biggest traffic and user exodus of 2024

Social network X hit its highest traffic numbers of 2024 when **Trump** won presidency‚ but also lost record number of users that day. Platformʼs future remains unclear as users seek new digital homes

Business, Politics • November 14 2024 , 11:44 AM  •  509 views
Tech giants and AI raise red flags ahead of crucial US vote

Tech giants and AI raise red flags ahead of crucial US vote

High-tech tools pose fresh risks to Americas voting process‚ while big companies gain unprecedented control over digital life. Experts warn about AI-driven tricks in upcoming presidential race

Society, Business, Politics • November 4 2024 , 06:50 PM  •  643 views
Federal watchdog targets Meta's financial data handling in ad business

Federal watchdog targets Meta's financial data handling in ad business

Meta faces potential legal consequences from consumer protection agency over its ad practices. The social-media company might have mishandled third-party financial information in its advertising system

Society, Business • October 31 2024 , 11:35 PM  •  1423 views
Seven tech giants control Wall Street: Is this making market unstable?

Seven tech giants control Wall Street: Is this making market unstable?

Seven major tech companies now make up almost third of S&P 500 value. Named after classic Western movie these tech-sector leaders show remarkable growth but raise questions about market stability

Business, Economics • October 30 2024 , 07:48 PM  •  6920 views