Which country owns WhatsApp and Viber - briefly?
Both WhatsApp and Viber are owned by companies based in the United States.
Which country owns WhatsApp and Viber - in detail?
The ownership of WhatsApp and Viber is a topic that has garnered significant interest, particularly in the context of digital communication and privacy. Both platforms are prominent players in the global messaging landscape, with millions of users worldwide.
WhatsApp, founded by Brian Acton and Jan Koum in 2009, was initially an independent company based in Santa Clara, California, United States. In February 2014, Facebook Inc., also headquartered in the United States, acquired WhatsApp for approximately $19 billion. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in the tech industry and solidified Facebook's dominance in social media and messaging platforms. Post-acquisition, WhatsApp continues to operate from its headquarters in Menlo Park, California, under the umbrella of Facebook (now known as Meta Platforms Inc.).
On the other hand, Viber was founded by Israeli entrepreneurs Talmon Marco and Igor Magazinik in 2010. Initially headquartered in Israel, Viber quickly gained traction globally due to its user-friendly interface and reliable voice and messaging services. In February 2014, Japanese multinational corporation Rakuten Inc. acquired Viber for $900 million. Post-acquisition, Viber's headquarters were relocated to Luxembourg, where Rakuten has a significant presence. This strategic move allowed Viber to maintain its global reach while benefiting from the technological and financial resources of Rakuten.
In conclusion, WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms Inc., which is headquartered in the United States, while Viber is owned by Rakuten Inc., a Japanese corporation with its European headquarters in Luxembourg. Both platforms have undergone significant changes in ownership and have adapted to integrate seamlessly into their parent companies' ecosystems, ultimately shaping the landscape of global communication.