What is the definition of WhatsApp - briefly?
WhatsApp is a messaging application that allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share multimedia content with their contacts using an internet connection. It was acquired by Facebook in 2014 and has since become one of the most widely used communication platforms worldwide.
What is the definition of WhatsApp - in detail?
WhatsApp is a widely used, cross-platform messaging and voice-over-IP (VoIP) service owned by Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook Inc. It allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, share images, documents, user locations, and other media in real-time. The application operates on mobile devices with a stable internet connection, including smartphones and tablets that run on various operating systems such as Android, iOS, KaiOS, and Windows Phone. Additionally, WhatsApp Business is a separate app designed specifically for small business owners to communicate more effectively with their customers.
The service was launched in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, who had previously spent over 20 years combined working at Yahoo! The founders aimed to create an alternative to the traditional SMS system, which they considered outdated and expensive due to carrier fees. WhatsApp's initial success was driven by its simplicity, ease of use, and the ability to send messages without incurring additional costs beyond internet data usage.
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption for securing communications between users. This means that only the intended recipients can read the messages, and even WhatsApp cannot access the content of the conversations. This feature has made WhatsApp a popular choice for those seeking privacy in their digital communications.
In 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for approximately $19 billion, making it one of the largest tech acquisitions in history. Since then, WhatsApp has integrated with other Facebook services, enhancing its capabilities and expanding its user base to over 2 billion people worldwide as of 2021.
The app continues to evolve, introducing new features such as Stories, group calls, and the ability to make payments within conversations in certain regions. Its widespread adoption has transformed how individuals and businesses communicate globally, making it an integral part of modern digital communication infrastructure.