FACEBOOK HAS NOW reached 500 million users, according to TechCrunch. The site celebrated its sixth birthday just five months ago by announcing it had hit the 400 million-mark. To celebrate breaking its own record so quickly, the site has launched a new project called “Facebook Stories“.

Facebook wants its users to contribute stories, of at most 420 characters, which it will then sort according to location and theme.

The site’s latest user figures come just in time for the promotion of the Facebook film, “The Social Network”, which will be released in autumn:

The news might also cheer up the website’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg, who is currently facing a lawsuit from Paul Cegila, who claims he owns 84% of the site. The New York investor claims he owns the stake because of a contract he signed with Mr Zuckerburg in 2003 to develop a new website which later became Facebook.

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Facebook reaches 500 million

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.