Some of the key events about WhatsApp
- 2009Launched as a messaging app for iOS and Android devices
- 2012Privacy concerns arose due to WhatsApp storing users' address books on its servers
- 2013Introduced voice messaging feature
- 2014Reached 500 million active users worldwide
- 2014Security vulnerabilities were discovered that could allow attackers to decrypt messages
- 2015Launched WhatsApp Web for desktop use
- 2016Implemented end-to-end encryption for all messages
- 2016WhatsApp faced criticism for sharing user data with parent company Facebook
- 2017Introduced Status feature, similar to Stories on other platforms
- 2017A security flaw was found that allowed hackers to take control of accounts using just a phone number
- 2018Launched WhatsApp Business app for small businesses
- 2018WhatsApp was used to spread misinformation leading to mob violence in India
- 2019Reached 2 billion active users globally
- 2019A vulnerability was discovered that allowed spyware to be installed on phones through WhatsApp calls
- 2020Increased video call participant limit to 8 people
- 2020WhatsApp delayed a privacy policy update after user backlash over data sharing with Facebook
- 2021Introduced disappearing messages feature for enhanced privacy
- 2021WhatsApp was fined €225 million for breaching EU data protection rules
- 2021A security flaw was found that could allow attackers to remotely crash the app
- 2023WhatsApp faced criticism for potential privacy issues with its new "Chat Lock" feature
Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.
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