WhatsApp’s 2.8B Users React to Meta’s Controversial Move

The world’s most popular messaging service is about to undergo its most controversial change yet. WhatsApp, used by 2.8 billion people globally, will begin showing advertisements – sparking immediate backlash from its user base.

The Ad Rollout Plan

• Ads will appear in the Status section (under Updates tab) initially
• Implementation will happen gradually over several months worldwide
• Core messaging features remain ad-free and end-to-end encrypted
• No ads will appear in personal chats, calls or group conversations

User Backlash Goes Viral

Social media erupted with criticism after the announcement:

• “Bringing ads on WhatsApp is the dumbest idea you have ever thought of as a tech company”
• “Time to switch to Telegram” (referencing WhatsApp’s competitor)
• “WhatsApp is bringing ads. Its time to get back to Nokia 3310” (nostalgic reference to pre-smartphone era)

Meta’s Defense

The parent company emphasized:

• User chats remain private and encrypted
• No ads will be message-based or use phone numbers
• Only basic data (location, language, ad interactions) will inform targeting
• Reiterated 2023 statement that personal messages “will not be used for ads”

Expert Warning

Tech analyst James Bore predicts this is just the beginning:
“Their history shows they will cram in ever more prevalent and intrusive ads…regardless of user experience.”

WhatsApp’s Ad-Free History

• Acquired by Meta (then Facebook) in 2014 for $19 billion
• Consistently resisted ads until now
• As recently as 2023, CEO Will Cathcart denied ad plans publicly

Current Status:

While ads won’t interrupt chats yet, the move has shaken user trust in the platform that built its reputation on privacy.