Facebook announced plans Tuesday to adapt to users sharing more privately as the leading social network pours money into an ongoing battle with "bad actors" out to misuse its service.
Silicon Valley-based Facebook reported that its quarterly profit climbed in the recently ended quarter, but the social network -- mired in a spate of controversies -- gained fewer users than analysts had expected.
Profit beat Wall Street expectations by jumping nine percent to USD5.14 billion on revenue that leaped 33 per cent to USD13.7 billion in the quarter that ended September 30.
Facebook shares went for a rollercoaster ride in after-market trades as executives revealed quarterly earnings figures along with challenges and opportunities seen in shifting trends in user behaviour.
Shares jumped, dove and then rose anew before staying on higher ground, up 3.1 per cent to USD150.80, on the Nasdaq early in the evening in New York.
"Right now, the market is really nervous and it doesn't take much to move the stock," said analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group.
"As long as they are meeting or exceeding on the bottom line (profit) they will be fine."
"We're building the best services for private messaging and stories, and there are huge opportunities ahead in video and commerce as well."
"We will see all the good and bad humanity can do."
"There is no silver bullet."