Facebooks

Facebook is a social networking platform operated by Meta Platforms, Inc. It enables users to create profiles, connect with friends, publish posts, share photos and videos, and participate in groups and events. Core features include a user News Feed, a Like button, comments, messaging through Facebook Messenger, and a wide range of third-party apps and pages. The platform has grown into one of the largest online communities, with billions of monthly active users.

Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and fellow Harvard students, Facebook opened to the general public in 2006 and expanded to mobile devices in later years. It acquired other platforms to broaden its reach, notably Instagram in 2012, WhatsApp in 2014, and Oculus VR in 2014. In 2021, the parent company rebranded as Meta Platforms, Inc., while Facebook remains a principal product. Meta is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.

Facebook's business model centers on advertising; revenue is generated by targeted ads based on user data and engagement across Facebook and affiliated apps. The platform has faced scrutiny over privacy practices, data sharing, political advertising, and the spread of misinformation, leading to regulatory investigations and policy changes in multiple jurisdictions.

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