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Companies Encyclopedia Entry 1778846409

** Meta Platforms, Inc., commonly known as Meta, is a multinational technology and online social media conglomerate that operates several prominent platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. ## Overview Meta Platforms, Inc. is a multinational technology company that has revolutionized the way people interact, communicate, and access information 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 primary focus is on developing and operating social media platforms, online marketplaces, and other digital services that cater to a vast and diverse user base. At its core, Meta's mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. The company's flagship platform, Facebook, has become an integral part of modern life, with over 2.7 billion monthly active users worldwide. Meta's other notable platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp, have also gained immense popularity, with Instagram boasting over 1 billion active users and WhatsApp having over 2 billion monthly active users. ## History/Background Meta's journey began in 2004 when Mark Zuckerberg, then a sophomore at Harvard, created a social networking site called "Facemash" that 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, leading Zuckerberg to create a new platform called "Thefacebook," which was initially intended for Harvard students only. The platform quickly gained popularity, and by 2005, it had expanded to other colleges and universities in the United States. In 2012, Facebook acquired Instagram, a photo and video-sharing platform founded by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, for $1 billion. Two years later, Facebook acquired WhatsApp, a popular messaging app founded by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, for $19 billion. These acquisitions marked a significant shift in Facebook's strategy, as the company began to focus on developing and acquiring platforms that could complement its core social networking service. ## Key Information * **Revenue:** Meta generates revenue primarily through advertising, with over 98% of its revenue coming from advertising sales. * **Employees:** As of 2022, Meta has over 77,000 employees worldwide, making it one of the largest technology companies in the world. * **Subsidiaries:** Meta owns several subsidiaries, including Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus VR, and Giphy. * **Headquarters:** Meta's headquarters is located in Menlo Park, California, with additional offices in other parts of the world. * **Founders:** Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes founded Facebook in 2004. ## Significance Meta's impact on modern society cannot be overstated. The company's platforms have revolutionized the way people interact, communicate, and access information online. Meta's social media platforms have become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide relying on them for news, entertainment, and social connection. However, Meta's influence has also raised concerns about data privacy, online harassment, and the spread of misinformation. The company has faced numerous regulatory challenges and lawsuits over the years, including a landmark antitrust lawsuit filed by the US Federal Trade Commission in 2020. Despite these challenges, Meta remains one of the most influential technology companies in the world, with a significant impact on modern society. As the company continues to evolve and expand its offerings, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the complex landscape of technology, regulation, and social responsibility. INFOBOX: - **Name:** Meta Platforms, Inc. - **Type:** Technology and online social media conglomerate - **Date:** Founded in 2004 - **Location:** Menlo Park, California, USA - **Known For:** Developing and operating social media platforms, online marketplaces, and other digital services. TAGS: Meta, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, social media, technology, online platforms, data privacy, online harassment, misinformation, antitrust lawsuit, regulation, social responsibility.