Who currently owns WhatsApp - briefly?
WhatsApp is currently owned by Meta Platforms Inc., previously known as Facebook Inc.
Who currently owns WhatsApp - in detail?
As of the most recent information, Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook, Inc., is the current owner of WhatsApp. The acquisition took place on February 19, 2014, when Facebook announced it had reached a definitive agreement to acquire WhatsApp. This deal was finalized for approximately $19 billion in cash and stock.
The founders of WhatsApp, Jan Koum and Brian Acton, played instrumental roles in the development and growth of the messaging platform before its acquisition by Facebook. After the acquisition, both founders left the company due to disagreements with Facebook over issues such as data privacy and monetization strategies.
Meta Platforms, Inc., now owns WhatsApp as part of its suite of communication services, which also includes Facebook Messenger and Instagram Direct. The integration of these platforms allows for seamless user experiences across different messaging and social media applications.
In conclusion, Meta Platforms, Inc. is the current owner of WhatsApp, having acquired it in 2014 as part of a strategic move to expand its presence in the mobile messaging sector.