Founding and Growth
Facebook was launched on February 4, 2004, by Mark Zuckerberg and his Harvard University roommates, initially as a social networking site exclusive to students.
The platform rapidly expanded to other universities, and by 2006, it was open to anyone over 13 with an email address. It became a global social media giant, amassing over 2 billion users within a decade.
Expansion and Rebranding
Through the years, Facebook acquired major tech companies such as Instagram (2012), WhatsApp (2014), and Oculus VR (2014).
In October 2021, the parent company was rebranded as Meta Platforms Inc., reflecting its shift toward building the "metaverse"—a digital environment integrating virtual and augmented reality.
Current Influence and Controversies
Facebook remains one of the world’s most influential platforms, central to digital advertising, news dissemination, and online communication.
However, it has faced criticism over data privacy breaches (e.g., Cambridge Analytica scandal), misinformation, and content moderation practices.
Meta continues to innovate with AI, virtual reality, and decentralised systems.
Today, Meta’s suite—including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp—connects billions of users worldwide, making it one of the most powerful and scrutinised tech conglomerates globally.
