For most of July 3 , Facebook[1] Facebook's sister image-sharing network, Instagram[2] and its popular communications program WhatsApp[3] was having fits. None of the sites were able to load new images[4] and had trouble displaying photographs. Late on July 3, the services were back up. We still don't know what went wrong.
Facebook merely stated, "Earlier today, some people and businesses experienced trouble uploading or sending images, videos and other files on our apps and platforms. The issue has since been resolved[5] and we should be back at 100% for everyone. We're sorry for any inconvenience."
With 2.38 billion monthly active users[6], you might think Facebook would explain exactly what happened. You'd be wrong.
Indeed, for hours Facebook wouldn't even admit there was a problem. Facebook wouldn't admit to any problem despite users from around the world reporting issues on Twitter[7] and DownDetector[8]. About 8 hours after the service disruption
Facebook finally confessed that all wasn't right about 8 hours after the first trouble reports: "During one of our routine maintenance operations, we triggered an issue that is making it difficult for some people to upload or send photos and videos. We're working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and we apologize for any inconvenience."
This failure on the eve of the United States Fourth of July