February 04

On February 4, 2004, Harvard University students Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin launched Thefacebook.com, a new online social network. Originally limited to Harvard undergraduates, it rapidly expanded to other universities before opening to the general public. The platform revolutionized how people connect and share information online. In its early years, Facebook introduced features like the News Feed and photo sharing, driving user engagement. By the end of its first year, the site had millions of users nationwide. Over subsequent years, Facebook attracted significant venture capital funding and grew into a global company. It played a pivotal role in shaping social media and digital communication. Today, Facebook is one of the world's largest social networking services with billions of active users.

On February 4, 2020, the Macanese government ordered a 15-day shutdown of all casinos in Macau to curb the spread of COVID-19. As the world's largest gambling hub, Macau relies heavily on gaming revenue to support its economy. The temporary closures marked the first time gaming operations were suspended in the territory's history. Local officials implemented health screenings, social distancing measures, and travel restrictions alongside the casino shutdowns. The move was praised for helping limit viral transmission but dealt a severe blow to workers, businesses, and government coffers. By mid-February, casinos began to reopen with strict occupancy limits and enhanced sanitation protocols. The closures underscored the pandemic's far-reaching impact on global tourism and finance.