What organization owns WhatsApp - briefly?
Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook Inc., is the parent company that owns WhatsApp. The acquisition took place in 2014 for a sum of $19 billion.
What organization owns WhatsApp - in detail?
WhatsApp, one of the world's most popular messaging platforms, is owned by Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook Inc. The acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook was finalized on October 4, 2014, marking a significant milestone in the tech industry.
Meta Platforms Inc., founded by Mark Zuckerberg and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, is a multinational technology conglomerate that specializes in social media services and products. Under Meta's ownership, WhatsApp has undergone several enhancements and updates, including the introduction of features such as end-to-end encryption, voice and video calls, and WhatsApp Business.
The acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook was driven by the desire to expand its reach into mobile messaging and to leverage WhatsApp's extensive user base. At the time of acquisition, WhatsApp had over 450 million active users, a number that has since grown significantly. The integration of WhatsApp with other Meta services, such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram, has facilitated seamless communication across platforms for billions of users worldwide.
Despite some concerns regarding data privacy and the potential for increased data sharing between WhatsApp and other Meta services, the acquisition has allowed WhatsApp to benefit from Meta's extensive resources and technological advancements. This partnership has enabled WhatsApp to maintain its position as a leading messaging platform while continuing to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of its users.