messaging Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing ads in messaging app; launches new monetisation features

WhatsApp plans to introduce advertisements within its messaging app, specifically in the Updates tab, while ensuring that personal chats remain free of commercial content. This decision is part of parent company Meta Platforms' strategy to generate new revenue streams. WhatsApp reassured users that personal messaging, calls, and statuses will remain end-to-end encrypted and not used for ad targeting. This move marks a departure from the original ad-free vision set by WhatsApp's founders. Advertisements will be based on non-sensitive data, such as age, language, location, and interaction with ads. WhatsApp also unveiled three monetization features, emphasizing the importance of monetizing the app as part of Meta's broader strategy to diversify advertising revenue across its platforms.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp Set to Introduce Ads in Select Sections of Messaging App

WhatsApp will soon introduce advertisements within the app, specifically in the Updates tab, as part of Meta Platforms' strategy to monetize its 1.5 billion daily users. The company assures that user privacy will be maintained, as ads will not affect private chats and personal messages remain end-to-end encrypted. This change marks a departure from WhatsApp's original promise to remain ad-free when it was launched in 2009. Ad targeting will be based on limited user information such as age, location, and language, without using personal messages or calls. Additionally, WhatsApp will allow channels to charge subscription fees for exclusive content and enable business owners to pay for increased visibility.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

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

WhatsApp will soon introduce ads in the Updates tab of the app, while ensuring that personal messaging experiences remain unchanged and free from advertisements. The ads will be targeted based on user attributes such as age, location, and language, but will not utilize personal messages or calls for targeting. Additionally, WhatsApp has launched two monetization features: Channels, allowing creators to charge subscription fees for exclusive updates, and promotional services for business owners to enhance channel visibility.

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.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

Microsoft Starts Testing New Settings AI Agent and Recall Export Experience

Microsoft is testing a new AI agent for Windows 11 within the Settings, available for Windows Insiders on Copilot+ PCs with the Dev build 26200.5651. Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will have access to a revamped Recall export experience in the Beta channel build 26120.4441. The new features include the ability to reset Recall and erase all associated data, new Click to Do actions for Microsoft 365 Copilot and Teams, a larger clock option in the taskbar, improved Windows Share for OneDrive files (not available in the EEA), and enhancements to Voice Access for Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese. Insiders are receiving updates based on Windows 11 version 24H2, with version 25H2 expected later this year.

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.

Tech Optimizer

June 13, 2025

Microsoft Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Tips to Protect Your Business Following the Latest Outage

Microsoft attributed a recent global outage affecting various digital infrastructures to a "CrowdStrike update," which disrupted multiple applications including OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, PowerBI, Microsoft Teams, and others. Users experienced issues such as synchronization failures and access difficulties. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in supply chains that organizations rely on for managing sensitive data, which can be targeted by cyber threats. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a feature within Microsoft Purview designed to protect sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure. DLP policies can monitor user activity and take protective actions like alerting users about inappropriate sharing, blocking sharing attempts, or relocating data to secure locations. DLP can be applied across various platforms, including Office 365 applications and Windows endpoints. The DLP lifecycle includes planning and deployment phases, where organizations assess data to be monitored and ensure policies do not disrupt workflows. Monitoring and reporting tools provide insights into policy matches and incidents, helping organizations refine their DLP efforts. However, DLP has limitations, including false positives, user resistance, and challenges in detecting data leakages through new communication channels.