WhatsApp is an instant messaging (IM) and voice-over-IP (VoIP) service owned by technology conglomerate Meta. It allows users to send text, voice messages and video messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other content. WhatsApp's client application runs on mobile devices, and can be accessed from computers. The service requires a cellular mobile telephone number to sign up. In January 2018, WhatsApp released a standalone business app called WhatsApp Business which can communicate with the standard WhatsApp client.
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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