WhatsApp

Started as an alternative to SMS, WhatsApp has become the most popular cross-platform messaging app. It is available on both Android and iOS. WhatsApp supports sending and receiving a variety of media, including text, photos, videos, documents, and location. It also allows users to make voice call and video calls.

WhatsApp messages and calls are secured with end-to-end encryption, meaning that no third party including WhatsApp can read or listen to them. WhatsApp was founded by Jan Koum and Brian Acton who had previously spent 20 years combined at Yahoo.

WhatsApp joined Facebook in 2014, but continues to operate as a separate app with a laser focus on building a messaging service that works fast and reliably anywhere in the world.

In February 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for approximately $19.3 billion. WhatsApp has grown in multiple countries, including Brazil, India, and large parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom and France.

WhatsApp was officially made available for PCs through a web client, under the name WhatsApp Web, in late January 2015 through an announcement made by Koum on his Facebook page, "Our web client is simply an extension of your phone: the web browser mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device-this means all of your messages still live on your phone."

SC Slams Meta, WhatsApp On Data Privacy: ‘You Can’t Play With Data Of Indians’

Feb 03, 2026, 03:25 PM IST

The Supreme Court has delivered strong observations against Meta and WhatsApp over data privacy concerns, barring the messaging platform from sharing Indian user data with its parent company. Calling the practice a “decent way of committing private data theft”, the apex court questioned how ordinary citizens, including street vendors, could be expected to understand complex terms and conditions. The court warned Meta and WhatsApp that they cannot play with the fundamental right to privacy or the Constitution of India. The Supreme Court also made it clear that it would not allow any India-specific information to be shared with Meta, underlining the seriousness of the issue. The court will hear cross appeals filed by Meta, WhatsApp and the Competition Commission of India against the NCLAT order on February 9. The case is being closely watched as it could have far-reaching implications for data protection, digital rights and the way Big Tech operates in India.

WhatsApp strengthens account security with new privacy controls

Jan 28, 2026, 03:02 PM IST

WhatsApp rolls out enhanced security features for high-risk individuals. Know how it protects users from cyber threats.

Elon Musk says WhatsApp is 'not secure' as lawsuit alleges the app has no end-to-end encryption

Jan 27, 2026, 09:44 AM IST

Elon Musk has posted on X (formerly Twitter) that WhatsApp is not safe, as a lawsuit filed in a US court alleges that Meta employees can bypass WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption to read private messages in real-time.

Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu, creator of WhatsApp rival Arattai, takes aim at Meta’s privacy promises

Jan 27, 2026, 12:51 PM IST

“As a general principle, when you rely on ads based on user habits, privacy can never be the first priority,” Vembu wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Happy Republic Day 2026: 100+ WhatsApp wishes, messages and captions to share with family & friends

Jan 26, 2026, 07:44 AM IST

India marks its 77th Republic Day, and the day feels deeper than a holiday. It's a celebration of the Constitution, our shared rulebook, that binds 1.4 billion voices into one national story

Meta sued by users over alleged false claims on WhatsApp message privacy

Jan 25, 2026, 12:10 PM IST

The group of plaintiffs includes users from Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico and South Africa.

Republic Day 2026: Top patriotic wishes, quotes, messages for friends, family & colleagues

Jan 25, 2026, 09:07 AM IST

77th Republic Day celebrations: From the grand parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi to flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, and social media tributes, Republic Day is observed with deep national pride across the country.

Noida techie fought for 90 mins before death; junior engineer fired, notices issued to traffic work officials: Top points

Jan 19, 2026, 09:51 AM IST

Noida techie death: The father reached the spot within minutes after he received his son’s location on WhatsApp. Police and emergency services were also alerted but due to the dense fog, the rescuers struggled to locate him.

One advice from Tata's Chandra, WhatsApp groups for investors: How Andhra is clinching big-ticket deals

Jan 11, 2026, 12:05 PM IST

Nara Lokesh traced the state's current approach to governance and deal-making to a moment early in the government's tenure, when N Chandrasekaran visited the chief minister

WhatsApp introduces new features for group chat with Member Tags, Stickers, and more

Jan 08, 2026, 12:04 PM IST

WhatsApp has launched new group chat features for easy communication.

TMC Knocks Supreme Court Door, Alleges Voter Deletions And Algorithm Misuse By Election Commission

Jan 07, 2026, 11:20 AM IST

Political tensions are escalating over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls as the Trinamool Congress approaches the Supreme Court against the Election Commission. The TMC alleges voters are being centrally deleted without the knowledge of Electoral Registration Officers, using undisclosed algorithms and software. The party claims instructions were issued informally, including via WhatsApp, and seeks an extension of the January 15 deadline for claims and objections. It has also demanded assistance for voters during hearings and special provisions for migrants and senior citizens. The controversy has intensified in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, with the BJP rejecting all allegations.