Meta plans to monetize WhatsApp by introducing advertisements in the app's Updates section, despite assurances that personal messages will remain private. Privacy experts express skepticism, citing Meta's history with data handling and the potential risks associated with ad-targeting based on user data.

Advertisers are increasingly turning to WhatsApp as a platform for ads, capitalizing on the app's substantial user base and engagement levels. The shift signifies a growing trend in digital marketing strategies, where messaging apps are seen as valuable channels for reaching consumers. Brands are exploring innovative ways to integrate advertisements into the messaging experience while maintaining user privacy and trust.

WhatsApp has surpassed 3 billion users, solidifying its position as one of the most popular messaging platforms worldwide. This milestone reflects the app's continued growth and widespread adoption across different regions and demographics.

WhatsApp has introduced advanced privacy features that allow users to control who can see their last seen status, profile photo, and about information. These updates aim to enhance user privacy and provide more options for managing visibility within the app. Additionally, WhatsApp emphasizes its commitment to user security with end-to-end encryption for messages.

WhatsApp is introducing advertisements for the first time since its launch in 2009, with ads gradually rolling out in the Updates tab. These ads will not disrupt personal chats and will include status updates from advertisers, promoted channels for increased visibility, and subscription options for exclusive content. Meta aims to tailor the ad experience based on user information such as location and demographics.

WhatsApp is developing a new voicemail-like feature that allows users to send voice messages in a more structured manner. This feature aims to enhance communication and provide a convenient way to share thoughts without the need for a live conversation.

WhatsApp has deactivated 6.8 million accounts that were linked to criminal scam centers worldwide, as reported by its parent company Meta. The crackdown aimed to disrupt these scams, particularly those originating from Cambodia, and was conducted in collaboration with OpenAI.

WhatsApp is set to introduce Live Photos, allowing users to share dynamic images that capture both motion and sound, enhancing the multimedia experience on the platform. This feature aims to make conversations more engaging and expressive.

The Zero Day Initiative is offering a $1 million reward for a zero-click WhatsApp exploit at the Pwn2Own Ireland 2025 contest, co-sponsored by Meta. The competition will take place from October 21 to October 24 in Cork, Ireland, featuring various categories targeting multiple technologies and emphasizing the importance of identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.

WhatsApp has introduced a QR code payments feature for its Business App, allowing small businesses to easily share codes for direct customer payments within the app. This development was announced at a business summit in India, where additional tools for customer support and advertising were also revealed. The popularity of WhatsApp payments in India is growing, following the launch of its P2P payments service earlier this year.

ChatGPT will no longer be available on WhatsApp after January 15, 2026, due to changes in WhatsApp's policy. Users can continue their conversations by linking their ChatGPT account through the app on various platforms, ensuring past chats are preserved.

The NSO Group has been ordered by a jury to pay damages to WhatsApp due to the deployment of spyware that infected numerous users. The ruling highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding the use of surveillance technology and its implications for privacy rights.

The U.S. House of Representatives has banned the use of WhatsApp on government devices due to security concerns. This decision reflects ongoing worries about data privacy and the potential for foreign interference through widely-used messaging applications. Agencies are now required to use alternative communication methods that meet security standards.

WhatsApp is set to introduce advertising within its Status updates, allowing businesses to promote their products and services to users. This move aims to generate revenue for the platform while providing new advertising opportunities for brands. The feature is expected to roll out in the coming months, enhancing the monetization strategy of the popular messaging app.

WhatsApp has introduced 'Private Processing,' a new opt-in feature that allows users to leverage advanced AI functionalities through privacy-focused cloud servers, ensuring user anonymity during data processing. The system employs robust encryption and third-party relays to protect user identities and data. As concerns over privacy persist, users can choose to disable the feature if they are uncomfortable with cloud processing.

A former security chief of WhatsApp, Attaullah Baig, has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against Meta, alleging that the company failed to address significant cybersecurity flaws that jeopardized user data privacy. The lawsuit claims that around 1,500 engineers had unrestricted access to personal user information, violating a previous Federal Trade Commission order. Meta has denied the allegations presented in the lawsuit.

The article discusses the introduction of an AI chatbot feature in WhatsApp, aimed at enhancing user experience by providing instant responses and assistance. This new functionality is part of WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to integrate advanced technologies into their platform, making conversations more engaging and efficient for users.

WAHA is a self-hosted WhatsApp HTTP API that can be set up on your server in under five minutes, provided you have Docker installed. The guide details steps for sending your first text message via the API, including session management, QR code scanning, and example payloads for message sending.

WhatsApp has released an emergency update to address a critical security vulnerability that could allow attackers to exploit the app and execute malicious code remotely. Users are urged to update to the latest version to protect their accounts and devices from potential threats. The update aims to enhance overall security and user safety.

Meta has concluded its defense in the FTC's monopoly trial regarding its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, with the FTC pushing for a breakup due to alleged anti-competitive practices. Despite Meta's confidence in a favorable outcome, experts point out the challenges of reversing mergers, and a ruling from Judge Boasberg is expected later this year.

WhatsApp is enhancing its web client by adding voice and video call buttons, making it easier for users to initiate calls directly from their browser. This update aims to improve the overall user experience by providing a more seamless communication option for those using WhatsApp on desktop.

WhatsApp revolutionized user onboarding by simplifying the signup process to just a phone number, eliminating the need for emails and usernames. This approach not only made the app feel familiar and user-friendly but also leveraged existing social graphs, allowing users to connect with friends instantly and creating viral growth through natural invitation mechanics. As a result, WhatsApp achieved rapid user acquisition and established a standard onboarding flow that many messaging apps now follow.

A TypeScript framework for WhatsApp's Official API allows developers to create a WhatsApp bot by utilizing npm to install the module. It covers the setup process for obtaining API tokens, webhook configuration, and provides sample code for handling different message types and responses. Additional resources include documentation for various environments and contribution guidelines for enhancing the library.

WhatsApp has updated its terms of service to prohibit the use of general-purpose chatbots on its platform, aiming to enhance user privacy and reduce spam. This change reflects the company's commitment to maintaining the integrity of personal communications and ensuring that only designated automated services are allowed.

Meta is contesting claims by the FTC that it has monopolized the social media market by acquiring competitors like Instagram and WhatsApp. During the trial, Meta argues that competition remains strong, citing user behavior during outages of rival platforms like TikTok as evidence.

WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to log out of their accounts directly from the app, addressing concerns about account security and privacy. This beta feature aims to provide a more flexible way for users to manage their sessions, especially on shared devices. Users will have the option to log out without needing to uninstall the app or remove their account permanently.

A critical flaw in the Windows version of WhatsApp has been discovered, allowing hackers to exploit the application and potentially sneak in malicious files. Users are advised to update their software immediately to protect against these vulnerabilities and safeguard their data.

Meta has enhanced scam protection features on its messaging platforms, WhatsApp and Messenger, to combat increasing fraudulent activities. These updates aim to bolster user security and provide better tools for identifying and reporting scams. The initiative reflects Meta's commitment to creating a safer online environment for its users.

Meta is facing a significant antitrust trial initiated by the FTC, which alleges the company has monopolized the personal social networking market and seeks to force the divestiture of Instagram and WhatsApp. The trial will determine if Meta's acquisitions harmed competition, amid a backdrop of changing political leadership and ongoing debates about market definitions in tech.

A federal judge has issued a permanent injunction against NSO, prohibiting the spyware maker from targeting WhatsApp users with its Pegasus app. This ruling follows a lawsuit by Meta, which accused NSO of attempting to infect approximately 1,400 devices belonging to various high-profile individuals. The judge emphasized the harm caused by NSO's actions to WhatsApp's business and user privacy, although she declined to extend the injunction to foreign governments or other Meta platforms.

The article discusses the challenges of sending large files, specifically a 2GB file, via WhatsApp, highlighting the platform's limitations on file size and the potential frustrations users may encounter. It also suggests alternatives for sharing large files more efficiently.

The WhatsApp AI Assistant is a Chrome extension designed to enhance productivity on WhatsApp Web by generating AI-powered responses. It helps businesses respond quickly and maintain consistent communication, thereby improving customer engagement and lead management without leaving the chat interface.