WhatsApp Introduces Ads, Subscriptions in Updates Tab

WhatsApp, long known for its ad-free messaging service, is introducing advertisements and paid subscriptions, marking a significant shift in its business model under Meta's ownership. Ads will only appear in the Updates tab, which includes Statuses and Channels, preserving the ad-free experience in personal chats through end-to-end encryption. Meta emphasizes that ad targeting will be based on general data such as location, language, and channel subscriptions, without accessing personal messages or calls. This move aims to monetize WhatsApp's massive user base while trying to maintain user privacy, but has sparked concern and dissatisfaction among users and critics who view it as a departure from the platform's original privacy-centric ethos. Co-founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton have voiced opposition to advertising in messaging apps, underscoring the philosophical change this represents. Despite reassurances, many users are considering alternatives like Signal, which continues to offer an ad-free experience.