WhatsApp is a messaging platform operated by a subsidiary of Meta Platforms, Inc.
Activity
WhatsApp Introduces 'WhatsApp Plus' Subscription with Customization Features
WhatsApp has announced a new subscription service called 'WhatsApp Plus,' offering features like chat pinning and themes. This move aims to improve user experience and provide a new revenue stream, with an iOS rollout imminent.
EU Orders Meta to Reopen WhatsApp AI Access Amid Antitrust Concerns
The EU has ordered Meta to restore access for third-party AI assistants on WhatsApp after concerns over a new fee-based model. This comes amid ongoing investigations into whether Meta's practices violate EU competition rules, impacting the platform's future ecosystem.
Meta and Google face landmark $6M damages in social media harm to minors cases
Courts in California and New Mexico have ordered Meta and Google to pay about $6 million for social media-related harm to minors, the first such liability ruling in the U.S. These cases highlight growing legal pressure on social media companies to address mental health concerns.
Meta Alerts 200 Italian Users Over Spyware-Laced Fake WhatsApp App
Meta has alerted around 200 users in Italy about installing a counterfeit WhatsApp app that was actually government spyware. This highlights ongoing cybersecurity risks involving fake apps and espionage threats. More investigations into the spyware’s origin and impact are expected.
WhatsApp adds AI replies, multi-account support, and cross-platform chat transfer on iOS
WhatsApp has introduced AI-suggested replies, enabled multiple accounts on iOS, and improved chat transfer features. These updates aim to boost convenience and mirror Android capabilities while introducing automation in messaging replies.
Russia Forces Citizens to Adopt Unencrypted Max Messenger, Blocks WhatsApp and Telegram
Russia is blocking WhatsApp and Telegram while promoting its unencrypted Max messenger. This effort aims to increase government control over digital communications by forcing adoption of a less secure platform.
Russian Hackers Target Signal and WhatsApp Users, Dutch Intelligence Warn
Dutch intelligence and Politico Europe warn that Russian hackers are targeting users of Signal and WhatsApp, including officials, in a widespread cyber campaign. The hackers are believed to be part of a Russian government operation aimed at espionage through popular messaging platforms.
Meta Expands Rival AI Chatbots on WhatsApp to Brazil and Europe with New Policies
Meta is expanding access for rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp to Brazil, aligning with its European policy. In Europe, these chatbots will be available for a fee, affecting how developers and competitors engage with the platform.
TikTok Won't Implement End-to-End Encryption in DMs, Citing Safety Concerns
TikTok will not incorporate end-to-end encryption in its direct messages, citing safety concerns. This decision impacts user privacy and moderation efforts amid ongoing privacy debates.