NEWS / WINDOWS

Faceoff over Facebook

24 Jul, 2007, 1:00 pm IST | Priyanka Pradhan | Windows

Popular social networking website, Facebook.com, is now facing a challenge, which may result in a shut down. Founder, 23 year old Mark Zuckerberg has been sued over claims by three of his former fellow Harvard students, that the idea of Facebook was stolen from them.

The plaintiff says Zuckerberg stole the idea, source code, and the business plan for Facebook in 2003 while working as a programmer for them, on their own social networking website, Connect U. The suit alleged copyright infringement, stealing trade secrets, fraud, and breach of contract, when it was first filed in 2003. The trio - Cameron Winklevoss, his twin brother Tyler and Divya Narendra allege that he deliberately stalled the progress of Connect U, so he could set up Facebook six months ahead.

Facebook is growing at the rate of 150,000 new members every day and is touted as the next Google, in terms of popularity. The 23 year old founder has reportedly turned down offers from companies such as MySpace and Yahoo!, as he wants to retain private control. Last week’s acquisition of web based operating system called Parakey, a first for Facebook, bears testimony of its growing assets and success.

Zuckerberg denies any wrongdoing and wants the case dismissed, but has been summoned in court this week for the hearing. It is not clear, however, whether the trio want complete shut down of the website or are merely seeking monetary compensation. Some reports say Narendra and the Winklevoss brothers hope to take complete control of Facebook and its assets, along with additional damage payments.
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