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

Meta Bans Russian State Media Networks Globally for Deceptive Practices

Meta Bans Russian State Media Networks Globally for Deceptive Practices

Meta announces a global ban on Russian state media networks, including RT and Rossiya Segodnya, citing foreign interference activities. The move follows US charges against RT employees for election influence attempts.

Society, Politics •   •  1391 views
Amazon Mandates Full-Time Office Return, Plans Management Overhaul

Amazon Mandates Full-Time Office Return, Plans Management Overhaul

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announces 5-day office attendance policy for white-collar workers, citing improved customer service. The company also plans to reduce management layers and increase individual contributors by March 2025.

Society, Business •   •  92 views
WhatsApp Scammers Target Luxury Watch Dealers with Ransom Demands

WhatsApp Scammers Target Luxury Watch Dealers with Ransom Demands

Luxury watch and jewelry dealers on WhatsApp face extortion attempts and account bans. Scammers demand cryptocurrency payments, causing significant business disruptions and financial losses.

Society, Business • September 14 2024, 08:06 AM  •  154 views
Meta Nears UK Deal for AI Data Use, Diverging from EU Approach

Meta Nears UK Deal for AI Data Use, Diverging from EU Approach

Meta is close to an agreement with UK regulators to use British Facebook and Instagram data for AI training, marking a departure from EU policies. This move highlights the UK's potential for more flexible AI regulation.

Business, Politics, Science • September 13 2024, 01:08 PM  •  160 views
UK Tech Firms Face Jail Time for Failing to Combat Revenge Porn

UK Tech Firms Face Jail Time for Failing to Combat Revenge Porn

New UK legislation targets revenge porn and deep-fakes, holding social media companies accountable. Executives could face jail time and hefty fines for non-compliance, aiming to protect potential victims.

Society, Politics • September 13 2024, 06:20 AM  •  1166 views
Meta's Clegg Criticizes X, Downplays Social Media's Political Impact

Meta's Clegg Criticizes X, Downplays Social Media's Political Impact

Nick Clegg, Meta's global affairs head, criticizes Elon Musk's X platform and discusses social media's role in politics. He highlights Meta's efforts to reduce political content and improve child safety online.

Society, Politics • September 12 2024, 06:24 PM  •  220 views
Retiree's Guide: Optimizing a £1.25M Portfolio for Income and Growth

Retiree's Guide: Optimizing a £1.25M Portfolio for Income and Growth

A 73-year-old retiree seeks advice on managing a £1. 25M portfolio. Recommendations include reducing tech exposure, adding income investments, and diversifying assets for a balanced retirement strategy.

Business, Economics • September 12 2024, 06:18 AM  •  895 views
Social Media Platforms Accused of Enabling Illegal Weapon Sales to Minors

Social Media Platforms Accused of Enabling Illegal Weapon Sales to Minors

Police criticize tech companies for inadequate response to online knife sales targeting underage users. Recent cases highlight the severity of the issue, prompting calls for stricter measures and collaboration.

Society, Politics • September 12 2024, 05:32 AM  •  777 views
Apple's AI Dilemma: EU Regulations Delay iPhone 16 Features

Apple's AI Dilemma: EU Regulations Delay iPhone 16 Features

Apple's new iPhone 16 will showcase AI capabilities, but EU users face a wait until 2025 due to regulatory hurdles. This delay exemplifies growing tensions between tech giants and European digital rules.

Business, Politics, Science • September 9 2024, 10:11 AM  •  290 views
X's Top Lobbyist Exits: Nick Pickles Departs Amid Political Speculation

X's Top Lobbyist Exits: Nick Pickles Departs Amid Political Speculation

Nick Pickles, X's head of government affairs, announces departure after a decade-long tenure. His exit sparks speculation about a potential return to British politics, following his survival of Elon Musk's Twitter takeover.

Business, Politics • September 6 2024, 01:19 PM  •  265 views
Italian Culture Minister Admits Affair with Influencer in Tearful TV Confession

Italian Culture Minister Admits Affair with Influencer in Tearful TV Confession

Italy's Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano publicly acknowledged an affair with influencer Maria Rosaria Boccia, sparking controversy over her access to government buildings. The scandal has raised questions about the government's commitment to traditional values.

Society, Politics, Culture • September 5 2024, 02:47 PM  •  223 views
Meta's Oversight Board Sparks Controversy with Ruling on Gaza Protest Slogan

Meta's Oversight Board Sparks Controversy with Ruling on Gaza Protest Slogan

Meta's oversight board ruled that the phrase "from the river to the sea" doesn't always glorify Hamas, sparking accusations from Israel of endorsing a "genocidal rallying cry". The decision highlights ongoing tensions in content moderation.

Society, Politics • September 5 2024, 11:52 AM  •  209 views
Watch Dealer's Business Crumbles After Sudden WhatsApp Ban

Watch Dealer's Business Crumbles After Sudden WhatsApp Ban

A successful watch dealer faces significant business losses and personal challenges after an unexplained WhatsApp ban. The incident raises concerns about tech giants' power and lack of accountability.

Society, Business • September 1 2024, 11:08 AM  •  148 views
Exclusive
Trump Threatens Zuckerberg with Prison Over Potential Election Interference

Trump Threatens Zuckerberg with Prison Over Potential Election Interference

Former President Trump warns Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg of potential imprisonment for election interference. Zuckerberg pledges neutrality in 2024 campaign amid ongoing social media content moderation debates.

Business, Politics • August 29 2024, 04:02 PM  •  11738 views
Zuckerberg Admits to Social Media Censorship During Pandemic and Election

Zuckerberg Admits to Social Media Censorship During Pandemic and Election

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledges pressure from White House to censor content during COVID-19 and 2020 election. Admission raises concerns about free speech and tech giants' influence on public discourse.

Society, Politics • August 28 2024, 06:53 PM  •  90 views
Zuckerberg Admits Regret Over Meta's Pandemic Content Moderation

Zuckerberg Admits Regret Over Meta's Pandemic Content Moderation

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expresses remorse for censoring COVID-19 related posts on Facebook and Instagram during the pandemic, citing pressure from White House officials after Biden's inauguration.

Society, Politics • August 28 2024, 05:09 AM  •  87 views
Exclusive
Facebook's COVID Content Moderation: Pressure, Regret, and Shifting Landscape

Facebook's COVID Content Moderation: Pressure, Regret, and Shifting Landscape

Facebook faced government pressure over COVID-19 content moderation, leading to internal conflicts and eventual regret. The social media giant's stance has evolved amid changing public sentiment and legal challenges.

Society, Politics • August 27 2024, 07:25 PM  •  4410 views