WhatsApp has become one of the most widely used messaging applications in the world, revolutionizing the way people communicate. But who is the owner of this influential app that's found on nearly every smartphone?
The story of WhatsApp begins with two former Yahoo employees, Jan Koum and Brian Acton. The duo launched WhatsApp Inc. in 2009, driven by a vision to create a simple, ad-free, and privacy-focused messaging platform.
The app quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly design, end-to-end encryption, and free international messaging capabilities. Its success caught the eye of larger tech companies, and in 2014, social media giant Facebook acquired WhatsApp for approximately $19 billion, marking one of the largest tech acquisitions to date.
Today, WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, Inc., now known as Meta Platforms, Inc. as of October 2021. While Jan Koum and Brian Acton have since left the company, the app continues to operate under the umbrella of Meta's suite of platforms, which also includes Facebook, Instagram, and Oculus, among others.
Despite the change in ownership, WhatsApp maintains its commitment to user privacy and seamless communication. It continues to innovate, introducing new features like voice and video calls, WhatsApp Web, and business accounts, ensuring it remains a top choice for personal and professional communication around the globe.
In conclusion, although WhatsApp was created by Jan Koum and Brian Acton, it is currently owned by Meta Platforms, Inc., the company behind several of the world's leading social media and technology platforms. The ownership change has allowed WhatsApp to continue to grow and innovate, while still upholding its founding principles of simple, secure communication.
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