OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Facebook is changing — its name, at least. The social networking giant now calls itself Meta Platforms Inc., or Meta for short. CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the new name reflects a commitment to developing the idea of people surrounding themselves with technology, a concept it calls the “metaverse.” As for the social network itself, it will still be Facebook. Skeptics claim the change is an effort to steer attention away from the Facebook Papers, a trove of leaked documents that portray the tech giant as putting profits ahead of ridding itself of posts that spread hate, political strife and disinformation.
Photo: Seen on the screen of a device in Sausalito, Calif., Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announces their new name, Meta, during a virtual event on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021. Zuckerberg talked up his latest passion — creating a virtual reality “metaverse” for business, entertainment and meaningful social interactions. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)