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Companies Encyclopedia Entry 1783632127

** Meta Platforms, Inc., commonly known as Meta, is a multinational technology and online social media company that operates several well-known platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. ## Overview Meta Platforms, Inc. is a leading technology company that has revolutionized the way people connect, share, and interact with each other online. Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, along with his college roommates and fellow Harvard University students Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, the company has grown exponentially over the years to become one of the largest and most influential technology companies in the world. Meta's mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. Meta's journey began with the launch of Facebook, a social networking platform that quickly gained popularity among college students and eventually spread to become a global phenomenon. Over the years, the company expanded its offerings to include Instagram, a photo and video-sharing platform, and WhatsApp, a messaging app. Today, Meta is a multinational corporation with a diverse range of products and services that cater to the needs of billions of users worldwide. ## History/Background Meta's history dates back to 2004 when Mark Zuckerberg created a website called "Facemash" while he was a sophomore at Harvard University. The site allowed users to compare the photos of two students and vote on which one was more attractive. The site became popular, but also generated controversy and was eventually shut down by the university. Undeterred, Zuckerberg and his friends created a new website called "Thefacebook," which was initially intended for Harvard students only. The site quickly gained popularity, and soon, other colleges and universities began to join. In 2005, the company dropped "The" from its name and became simply "Facebook." The site continued to grow, and in 2012, Facebook went public with an initial public offering (IPO) that raised $16 billion, making it one of the largest tech IPOs in history. Over the years, Facebook expanded its offerings to include Instagram, which it acquired in 2012, and WhatsApp, which it acquired in 2014. ## Key Information * **Revenue:** Meta's revenue has grown significantly over the years, from $1.97 billion in 2012 to $117.94 billion in 2021. * **User base:** Meta has a massive user base, with over 2.7 billion monthly active users across its platforms. * **Products:** Meta operates several well-known platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus VR. * **Acquisitions:** Meta has made several significant acquisitions, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Giphy. * **Headquarters:** Meta's headquarters is located in Menlo Park, California. ## Significance Meta's significance extends beyond its financial success and user base. The company has had a profound impact on the way people connect and interact with each other online. Its platforms have enabled people to share their experiences, connect with others, and access a vast array of information and services. However, Meta has also faced criticism and controversy over issues such as data privacy, misinformation, and the spread of hate speech. Despite these challenges, Meta remains one of the most influential technology companies in the world. Its platforms have become an integral part of modern life, and its impact will continue to be felt for years to come. INFOBOX: - **Name:** Meta Platforms, Inc. - **Type:** Technology and online social media company - **Date:** Founded in 2004 - **Location:** Menlo Park, California - **Known For:** Operating several well-known platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp TAGS: Technology, Social media, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Online platforms, Data privacy, Misinformation, Hate speech.