messaging platform Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

iState: A Russian Government Messenger?

On June 10, the Russian State Duma approved the establishment of a national messenger to be pre-installed on all newly sold smart devices starting September 1. This app will include a digital ID system and aims to streamline access to government services, identity verification, contract signing, and banking transactions. The initiative is inspired by China's WeChat but raises concerns about surveillance and data storage by the Russian government. The specific application for the national messenger has not yet been finalized, with Max, developed by VKontakte, being a leading candidate. Legal expert Sarkis Darbinyan doubts that Max will attract WhatsApp's user base and predicts it will be limited to domestic use without end-to-end encryption. Despite these issues, State Duma IT Committee head Sergei Boyarsky believes that existing messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram will continue to operate if they comply with Russian laws.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp to introduce adverts as Meta pushes to monetise messaging app

WhatsApp, with nearly three billion monthly active users, is set to introduce paid advertisements for the first time, moving away from its previous ad-free policy. This initiative, led by its parent company Meta, will include ads in the app's "status" section, similar to Instagram Stories, while ensuring that private conversations remain secure and encrypted. Businesses can promote content in the updates tab and charge users for premium content, with WhatsApp taking a 10 percent commission. Limited metadata, such as location and user interactions with ads, will be shared with advertisers, but sensitive information will remain confidential. Users who do not engage with status updates or channels will not see ads in their inbox. Meta's decision comes amid competition from platforms like TikTok and YouTube and regulatory scrutiny, including a lawsuit from the FTC regarding its acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram. The introduction of advertising and subscription features aims to tap into WhatsApp's business potential, although it may face mixed reactions from users concerned about privacy.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp users will soon need to grapple with in-app ads

Meta is introducing three new advertising features on WhatsApp, ensuring that these ads will not interfere with users' private conversations. Users can avoid advertisements if they prefer to use WhatsApp solely for messaging, as ads will not appear in their inbox. The 'Updates' section, currently operational in the UK, is gaining popularity in other regions despite being described as "not particularly popular." Users will not be able to remove the 'Channels' or 'Updates' buttons, but the WhatsApp team believes this does not negatively affect user experience. Advertising will be personalized based on users' location, language, and interactions with ads and channels, particularly for those linked to Facebook or Instagram.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing ads to users in parts of the messaging app

WhatsApp will introduce advertisements in the Updates tab, affecting approximately 1.5 billion daily users while keeping personal chat spaces free from ads. Ads will be targeted based on age, geographic location, language preferences, channels followed, and user interactions, without compromising end-to-end encryption for personal messages. Additionally, WhatsApp will allow channels to charge subscription fees for exclusive updates and enable business owners to promote their channels. Meta Platforms, WhatsApp's parent company, relies heavily on advertising for revenue, having reported .5 billion in total revenue in 2025, with [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In a notable shift for the popular messaging platform, WhatsApp has announced the introduction of advertisements within its app, a move that aligns with parent company Meta Platforms' ongoing efforts to diversify revenue streams. Starting soon, users will encounter ads specifically in the Updates tab, a feature utilized by approximately 1.5 billion individuals daily. Importantly, these ads will not intrude upon personal chat spaces, ensuring that the core messaging experience remains untouched. Ad Targeting and User Privacy WhatsApp has emphasized that the personal messaging experience will remain intact, with end-to-end encryption safeguarding personal messages, calls, and statuses from being used for ad targeting. Instead, the advertisements will be tailored based on various factors, including: Age Geographic location (country or city) Language preferences Channels followed within the app User interactions with displayed ads This strategic pivot marks a significant departure from the platform's founding principles, as co-founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton initially pledged to keep WhatsApp free from advertisements when it was launched in 2009. Following Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp in 2014, the original founders departed, leaving Meta to explore monetization avenues. New Revenue Opportunities In addition to the introduction of ads, WhatsApp has unveiled two other advertising features aimed at enhancing monetization. Channels will now have the option to charge users a subscription fee for exclusive updates, providing a new revenue model for content creators. Furthermore, business owners can invest in promoting their channels to attract new users, thereby increasing visibility within the app. Meta Platforms, based in Menlo Park, California, has long relied on advertising as its primary revenue source. In 2025, the company reported a staggering 4.5 billion in total revenue, with a remarkable 0.6 billion derived from advertising alone. As WhatsApp embarks on this new chapter, the integration of ads may play a crucial role in bolstering Meta's financial landscape while navigating the delicate balance between user experience and monetization. " max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.7" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].6 billion from advertising.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Russian Lawmakers Authorize Creation Of National Messaging Service

Russian lawmakers passed legislation on June 10 to establish a national instant messaging service, envisioned as a multifunctional information exchange service similar to WhatsApp. The service aims to facilitate bureaucratic and legal functions, including electronic document signing. VK, a Kremlin-aligned social media platform, is reportedly developing a new digital platform named Max, which will include chat, messaging, and payment services. The Russian government has previously launched the Gosuslugi e-government service portal, which serves around 100 million citizens and is being integrated with VK. President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for the new messaging service, instructing officials to transition services from government agencies to the platform.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing more adverts in messaging app

WhatsApp is launching three new advertising features to enhance user engagement without compromising private conversations. The platform will not use the encrypted content of users' messages for ads but will utilize data such as location, language, and ad interactions. Users linked to Facebook or Instagram will see personalized ads in a section called Updates at the bottom of the app. Businesses can promote their channels, attract followers, and offer subscription-based access, with WhatsApp taking a 10% commission on these fees. Firms can also use status updates for ads that direct users to chats. Concerns exist about potential user backlash if the app becomes cluttered with ads, particularly in regions like the UK and Europe. WhatsApp's head, Will Cathcart, reassured users that those who use the app solely for messaging will not be affected by the ad features. While the Updates section may not be popular in the UK, it has received a better response in other areas.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

Experts urge caution over social media apps in connection to arrest of SC Rep. RJ May

Lexington County State House Representative RJ May has been indicted on multiple federal charges related to child sex abuse material. He faces nearly a dozen charges, and federal prosecutors are seeking his detention before trial. May allegedly used four applications—Kik, Telegram, Mega, and Loki Messenger—to distribute child sexual assault material (CSAM). Investigators noted that all four apps were deleted shortly before a search warrant was executed at his home. Kik allows communication without a registered phone number, while Telegram and Mega are favored for their encryption and foreign ownership. Loki Messenger also offers end-to-end encryption. Rebecca Lorik, executive director of Pathways to Healing, highlighted the dangers of social media platforms and urged parents to engage with their children's online activities, educate themselves about potential risks, and consult experts for guidance.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

Meta’s Threads app to test direct messaging in some countries

Meta Platforms is rolling out direct messaging on its Threads app, starting in select markets like Hong Kong and Thailand, to boost user engagement. The feature will not be encrypted initially. Threads, launched in 2023, has over 350 million monthly active users but is not expected to significantly drive revenue growth by 2025. eMarketer projects a 17.5 percent increase in U.S. monthly active users for Threads, reaching 60.5 million, while X is expected to decline by 14.4 percent to about 50 million users.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Putin wants to replace WhatsApp in Russia with a ‘national messenger’ app

President Vladimir Putin has called for the deactivation of WhatsApp accounts among government officials in Russia and advocates for the development of a national messaging service, as WhatsApp is the last foreign messaging platform in the country. The Russian State Duma has adopted a federal law to establish this new service, which will include features for correspondence, telephone calls, and public and commercial services. The new messenger will be built on Russian-developed software and integrate with the government portal Gosuslugi for identity verification and document authentication. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the need for the new platform to be of high quality and competitive with foreign counterparts, highlighting that multiple national messengers should emerge to foster innovation. Russia joins countries like China, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea, which have their own messaging applications.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Putin’s WeChat wager Moscow is betting on a super-app strategy to sideline foreign platforms and control digital communications

In late May, a significant amendment was introduced to a draft bill aimed at establishing a government-backed instant messaging platform, endorsed by President Vladimir Putin, which would have unique privileges compared to competitors. The proposed legislation includes features like document certification using electronic signatures and replacing physical identification with the platform's identification, which private enterprises would be required to accept. The platform is intended to function as an alternative to Russia's existing digital government services but will not replace them. The government will select an organization to manage the platform, which may be a private Russian company with over 500,000 users. VK, the company behind Russia's leading social network, is the frontrunner to develop the super-app called "Max," which offers various features and aims to integrate with external services. The Russian government may consider blocking competitors to Max, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, with the latter having a user base of 68 million daily users. President Putin has instructed his cabinet to promote the Russian messaging platform by migrating services from government agencies and financial institutions.