Who owns WhatsApp today - briefly?
Today, WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook Inc.
Who owns WhatsApp today - in detail?
WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, has undergone several changes in ownership since its inception in 2009. Initially founded by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, WhatsApp was an independent company until February 2014 when it was acquired by Facebook, now known as Meta Platforms Inc.
The acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook was one of the largest deals in Silicon Valley history, valued at approximately $19 billion. This strategic move allowed Facebook to expand its reach into the mobile messaging market and tap into WhatsApp's vast user base, which at the time exceeded 450 million users worldwide.
Following the acquisition, Brian Acton and Jan Koum remained with the company for some time but eventually left due to disagreements over Facebook’s planned monetization strategies for WhatsApp. Specifically, there were concerns regarding data privacy and the potential introduction of advertisements on the platform.
Currently, WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook. Under Meta's ownership, WhatsApp has continued to grow its user base, now exceeding 2 billion users globally. The platform remains a significant part of Meta’s portfolio, contributing to its overall strategic goals and revenue streams.
Meta has made efforts to integrate WhatsApp with other services within its ecosystem, such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram Direct. This integration aims to provide users with a seamless messaging experience across multiple platforms. Additionally, WhatsApp Business, launched in 2018, allows businesses to communicate with customers directly, further expanding the platform's functionality.
Despite some controversies surrounding data privacy and changes in user policies, WhatsApp continues to be one of the most widely used messaging applications worldwide. Its end-to-end encryption feature ensures that messages sent between users remain secure and private, which has been a key selling point for many users.
In summary, today WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms Inc., the company formerly known as Facebook. Under Meta’s ownership, WhatsApp has evolved to include new features and services while maintaining its core commitment to user privacy and secure communication.