WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp Messenger is a free messaging and voice-over-IP service that allows users to send text messages, voice messages, images, documents, and make voice and video calls over the internet. Founded in February 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, former employees of Yahoo!, WhatsApp quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and end-to-end encryption, ensuring secure communication. In February 2014, Facebook (now Meta Platforms, Inc.) acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion, marking one of the largest technology acquisitions at the time. Under Meta's ownership, WhatsApp has expanded its features, including the introduction of voice and video calls, status updates, and business services. As of 2025, WhatsApp continues to be a leading global messaging platform, with over 3 billion monthly active users worldwide. The service is available on various platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, and supports multiple languages, catering to a diverse user base. Despite its acquisition by Meta, WhatsApp operates with a degree of autonomy, maintaining its brand identity and core functionalities while integrating with Meta's broader ecosystem of services.