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

Tech Giants to Address Senate on Election Security Concerns

Tech Giants to Address Senate on Election Security Concerns

September 10 2024, 10:18 PM  •  3201 views
Tech Workers Back Harris, Billionaires Support Trump in 2024 Race

Tech Workers Back Harris, Billionaires Support Trump in 2024 Race

September 9 2024, 07:16 PM  •  310 views
Google Faces Second Antitrust Trial Over Online Ad Dominance

Google Faces Second Antitrust Trial Over Online Ad Dominance

September 9 2024, 10:10 AM  •  573 views
Google Faces Multiple Antitrust Battles Amid Shifting Tech Landscape

Google Faces Multiple Antitrust Battles Amid Shifting Tech Landscape

September 7 2024, 10:12 AM  •  801 views
Social Media Platforms Grapple with New Russian Influence Tactics

Social Media Platforms Grapple with New Russian Influence Tactics

September 6 2024, 02:16 PM  •  456 views
Sweden Leads Charge in Limiting Screen Time for Young Children

Sweden Leads Charge in Limiting Screen Time for Young Children

September 6 2024, 01:05 PM  •  492 views
New Mexico Sues Snapchat Over Child Exploitation Concerns

New Mexico Sues Snapchat Over Child Exploitation Concerns

September 5 2024, 07:40 PM  •  483 views
Brazil's Social Media Shift: X Ban Sparks Mass Migration to Bluesky and Threads

Brazil's Social Media Shift: X Ban Sparks Mass Migration to Bluesky and Threads

September 5 2024, 05:07 PM  •  786 views
New Mexico Sues Snapchat Over Child Safety Concerns

New Mexico Sues Snapchat Over Child Safety Concerns

September 5 2024, 11:07 AM  •  272 views
Meta's Oversight Board: "From the River to the Sea" Phrase Not Automatic Violation

Meta's Oversight Board: "From the River to the Sea" Phrase Not Automatic Violation

September 4 2024, 07:33 PM  •  7097 views
Brazil's X Exodus: Social Media Giant's Decline Amid Legal Turmoil

Brazil's X Exodus: Social Media Giant's Decline Amid Legal Turmoil

September 4 2024, 12:00 AM  •  1990 views
Telegram's Dual Dilemma: Legal Woes and Monetization Struggles

Telegram's Dual Dilemma: Legal Woes and Monetization Struggles

September 3 2024, 11:32 AM  •  674 views
Harris's Tech Ties Spark Debate in Presidential Campaign

Harris's Tech Ties Spark Debate in Presidential Campaign

September 3 2024, 10:12 AM  •  795 views
California Passes Groundbreaking AI Safety Bill Amid Tech Industry Debate

California Passes Groundbreaking AI Safety Bill Amid Tech Industry Debate

August 29 2024, 12:14 AM  •  746 views
California Passes Landmark AI Regulation Bill, Sparking Industry Debate

California Passes Landmark AI Regulation Bill, Sparking Industry Debate

August 29 2024, 12:14 AM  •  711 views
Nvidia's Q2 Results Calm AI Bubble Fears, Showcasing Sustained Chip Demand

Nvidia's Q2 Results Calm AI Bubble Fears, Showcasing Sustained Chip Demand

August 28 2024, 10:10 PM  •  5807 views
OpenAI Defends AI Training Methods in Authors' Copyright Lawsuit

OpenAI Defends AI Training Methods in Authors' Copyright Lawsuit

August 28 2024, 04:52 PM  •  737 views
Telegram Founder's Arrest Sparks Debate on Social Media Accountability

Telegram Founder's Arrest Sparks Debate on Social Media Accountability

August 28 2024, 10:03 AM  •  881 views
Zuckerberg's Letter Fuels Debate on Social Media's Role in Elections

Zuckerberg's Letter Fuels Debate on Social Media's Role in Elections

August 27 2024, 06:48 PM  •  708 views
Zuckerberg Criticizes Biden Admin, Revises Meta's Content Policies

Zuckerberg Criticizes Biden Admin, Revises Meta's Content Policies

August 27 2024, 04:53 PM  •  704 views
Global Tensions Rise: Hezbollah Incident, Meta's Ban, and Mali Attack

Global Tensions Rise: Hezbollah Incident, Meta's Ban, and Mali Attack

Explosive devices target Hezbollah, Meta bans Russian media, and Mali faces extremist attack. Meanwhile, global democracy declines and Germany hosts unique hobby horse championship.

Society, Politics •   •  412 views
Russian Disinformation Targets Harris Campaign, Microsoft Warns

Russian Disinformation Targets Harris Campaign, Microsoft Warns

Microsoft reports escalating Russian disinformation attacks on Kamala Harris's campaign, featuring false videos circulating widely on social media. Multiple government-backed groups identified in ongoing election influence attempts.

Society, Politics •   •  660 views
Meta Overhauls Instagram's Teen Safety Measures Amid Growing Concerns

Meta Overhauls Instagram's Teen Safety Measures Amid Growing Concerns

Meta introduces new "teen accounts" on Instagram, enhancing parental oversight and safety features. The move comes as the company faces criticism and legal challenges over youth mental health impacts.

Society, Politics •   •  854 views
Meta Bans Russian State Media Amid U.S. Sanctions and Election Concerns

Meta Bans Russian State Media Amid U.S. Sanctions and Election Concerns

Meta has banned Russian state media outlets globally, following U. S. sanctions. The move comes amid growing concerns about foreign interference in elections and the spread of disinformation.

Business, Politics •   •  948 views
Global AI Regulation: Balancing Innovation and Control

Global AI Regulation: Balancing Innovation and Control

Nations rush to regulate AI, mirroring past internet governance challenges. Regulatory diversity poses costs but enables crucial experimentation. New approaches needed for effective AI governance learning.

Politics, Science • September 16 2024, 04:55 PM  •  641 views
Ohio Power Dispute: Tech Giants Battle Over Data Center Energy Costs

Ohio Power Dispute: Tech Giants Battle Over Data Center Energy Costs

A regulatory clash in Ohio pits tech giants against a power company over data center energy costs. The outcome could set a national precedent for balancing tech growth with infrastructure needs.

Business, Economics • September 13 2024, 07:31 PM  •  891 views
Hong Kong Journalists Face Escalating Harassment, HKJA Reports

Hong Kong Journalists Face Escalating Harassment, HKJA Reports

The Hong Kong Journalists Association reports widespread intimidation of media professionals over the past three months. Threats and false content shared online and offline raise concerns about press freedom in the city.

Society, Politics • September 13 2024, 09:41 AM  •  379 views
Utah's Social Media Law for Minors Halted by Federal Judge

Utah's Social Media Law for Minors Halted by Federal Judge

A federal judge in Utah has temporarily blocked a law aimed at protecting children's privacy on social media platforms. The judge cited First Amendment concerns in his decision.

Society, Politics • September 11 2024, 11:24 PM  •  712 views
Fearless Fund Settles Case, Closes Black Women's Grant Program

Fearless Fund Settles Case, Closes Black Women's Grant Program

Venture capital firm Fearless Fund agrees to end its grant program for Black women entrepreneurs in a settlement with affirmative action opponents, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate over diversity initiatives.

Society, Business • September 11 2024, 03:52 PM  •  298 views
Trump Media Shares Plummet as Harris Gains Ground Post-Debate

Trump Media Shares Plummet as Harris Gains Ground Post-Debate

Trump Media stock drops 15% following a presidential debate where Kamala Harris outperformed Donald Trump. The company's valuation and upcoming lock-up expiry add to investor concerns.

Business, Politics • September 11 2024, 12:56 PM  •  341 views
Tech Giants to Address Senate on Election Security Concerns

Tech Giants to Address Senate on Election Security Concerns

Major tech executives set to testify at U. S. Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on election threats. Google, Adobe, Microsoft, and Meta representatives to discuss technology's role in safeguarding democratic processes.

Business, Politics • September 10 2024, 10:18 PM  •  3201 views
Tech Workers Back Harris, Billionaires Support Trump in 2024 Race

Tech Workers Back Harris, Billionaires Support Trump in 2024 Race

Employees of major tech companies are donating heavily to Kamala Harris's campaign, while tech billionaires support Donald Trump. The divide highlights contrasting priorities in Silicon Valley.

Business, Politics • September 9 2024, 07:16 PM  •  310 views
Google Faces Second Antitrust Trial Over Online Ad Dominance

Google Faces Second Antitrust Trial Over Online Ad Dominance

The Justice Department's case against Google's ad tech business begins, potentially impacting major news outlets and rivals. The trial could reshape the digital advertising landscape and Google's market position.

Business, Economics • September 9 2024, 10:10 AM  •  573 views
Google Faces Multiple Antitrust Battles Amid Shifting Tech Landscape

Google Faces Multiple Antitrust Battles Amid Shifting Tech Landscape

Google confronts a series of antitrust lawsuits in the US, marking a shift in the government's approach to tech giants. The outcomes could reshape the company's future and the tech industry at large.

Business, Politics • September 7 2024, 10:12 AM  •  801 views
Social Media Platforms Grapple with New Russian Influence Tactics

Social Media Platforms Grapple with New Russian Influence Tactics

U. S. authorities accuse RT employees of coordinating an online network to sway the 2024 election. Social media giants face challenges in addressing this new form of covert influence operation involving real American citizens.

Society, Politics • September 6 2024, 02:16 PM  •  456 views
Sweden Leads Charge in Limiting Screen Time for Young Children

Sweden Leads Charge in Limiting Screen Time for Young Children

Sweden's health agency recommends zero screen time for under-2s, joining global efforts to curb digital exposure. The move sparks debate on technology's impact on child development and mental health.

Society, Culture • September 6 2024, 01:05 PM  •  492 views
New Mexico Sues Snapchat Over Child Exploitation Concerns

New Mexico Sues Snapchat Over Child Exploitation Concerns

New Mexico files lawsuit against Snap Inc, alleging Snapchat facilitates sharing of child sexual exploitation material. Investigation reveals platform's role in sextortion and presence on dark web.

Society, Politics • September 5 2024, 07:40 PM  •  483 views
Brazil's Social Media Shift: X Ban Sparks Mass Migration to Bluesky and Threads

Brazil's Social Media Shift: X Ban Sparks Mass Migration to Bluesky and Threads

Following X's suspension in Brazil, users flock to alternative platforms. Bluesky sees 85% of 2.6 million new users from Brazil, while Threads gains traction. The shift reshapes Brazil's digital landscape.

Society, Politics • September 5 2024, 05:07 PM  •  786 views
New Mexico Sues Snapchat Over Child Safety Concerns

New Mexico Sues Snapchat Over Child Safety Concerns

New Mexico files lawsuit against Snapchat, alleging it's a "breeding ground" for predators. The case highlights growing concerns about child safety on social media platforms.

Society, Politics • September 5 2024, 11:07 AM  •  272 views
Meta's Oversight Board: "From the River to the Sea" Phrase Not Automatic Violation

Meta's Oversight Board: "From the River to the Sea" Phrase Not Automatic Violation

Meta's Oversight Board ruled against automatic removal of posts containing the phrase "from the river to the sea," citing its use for Palestinian solidarity. The decision highlights challenges in moderating controversial content.

Society, Politics • September 4 2024, 07:33 PM  •  7097 views
Brazil's X Exodus: Social Media Giant's Decline Amid Legal Turmoil

Brazil's X Exodus: Social Media Giant's Decline Amid Legal Turmoil

Brazil, once X's largest international market, sees user indifference as the platform faces suspension. The shift highlights changing social media preferences and raises questions about digital governance.

Society, Politics • September 4 2024, 12:00 AM  •  1990 views
Telegram's Dual Dilemma: Legal Woes and Monetization Struggles

Telegram's Dual Dilemma: Legal Woes and Monetization Struggles

Pavel Durov, Telegram's founder, faces legal charges in France while grappling with the app's financial challenges. The messaging platform seeks a viable business model amidst mounting pressure from expiring bonds.

Society, Business • September 3 2024, 11:32 AM  •  674 views
Harris's Tech Ties Spark Debate in Presidential Campaign

Harris's Tech Ties Spark Debate in Presidential Campaign

Vice President Kamala Harris's long-standing connections to Silicon Valley raise questions about her stance on Big Tech regulation. Her campaign must balance industry support with growing anti-tech sentiment.

Business, Politics • September 3 2024, 10:12 AM  •  795 views
California Passes Groundbreaking AI Safety Bill Amid Tech Industry Debate

California Passes Groundbreaking AI Safety Bill Amid Tech Industry Debate

California lawmakers approve pioneering AI safety legislation, requiring testing and disclosure for large-scale models. The bill faces opposition from tech giants but gains support from some industry players, as Gov. Newsom's decision looms.

Business, Politics, Science • August 29 2024, 12:14 AM  •  746 views
California Passes Landmark AI Regulation Bill, Sparking Industry Debate

California Passes Landmark AI Regulation Bill, Sparking Industry Debate

California's State Assembly approves strict AI regulations, requiring companies to test for catastrophic risks. The bill, now headed to the governor, has ignited controversy in the tech industry and political sphere.

Politics, Science • August 29 2024, 12:14 AM  •  711 views
Nvidia's Q2 Results Calm AI Bubble Fears, Showcasing Sustained Chip Demand

Nvidia's Q2 Results Calm AI Bubble Fears, Showcasing Sustained Chip Demand

Nvidia reports $30 billion Q2 revenue, up 122% year-over-year, easing concerns about AI investment bubble. Strong sales to tech giants fuel growth, despite some analyst skepticism.

Business, Science • August 28 2024, 10:10 PM  •  5807 views
OpenAI Defends AI Training Methods in Authors' Copyright Lawsuit

OpenAI Defends AI Training Methods in Authors' Copyright Lawsuit

OpenAI responds to copyright infringement claims by authors, asserting fair use in AI model training. The case highlights ongoing debates about AI development and intellectual property rights.

Business, Culture, Science • August 28 2024, 04:52 PM  •  737 views
Telegram Founder's Arrest Sparks Debate on Social Media Accountability

Telegram Founder's Arrest Sparks Debate on Social Media Accountability

Pavel Durov's detention in France raises questions about content moderation and legal responsibilities of messaging platforms. The case highlights the challenges facing social media companies in balancing user privacy and law enforcement cooperation.

Society, Politics • August 28 2024, 10:03 AM  •  881 views
Zuckerberg's Letter Fuels Debate on Social Media's Role in Elections

Zuckerberg's Letter Fuels Debate on Social Media's Role in Elections

Mark Zuckerberg's response to House Republicans addresses controversies surrounding Meta's actions during the 2020 election and pandemic, reigniting discussions about social media's influence on politics.

Society, Politics • August 27 2024, 06:48 PM  •  708 views
Zuckerberg Criticizes Biden Admin, Revises Meta's Content Policies

Zuckerberg Criticizes Biden Admin, Revises Meta's Content Policies

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg addresses content moderation pressures from the Biden administration in a letter to Rep. Jim Jordan. The company announces policy changes ahead of the 2024 election.

Business, Politics • August 27 2024, 04:53 PM  •  704 views