WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a messaging platform owned by the technology conglomerate Meta. It is currently newsworthy due to two primary developments. First, US authorities are reportedly investigating claims that Meta can access users' encrypted WhatsApp messages, following a lawsuit alleging Meta's ability to access private communications. Meta has denied these allegations. Second, Meta is planning to trial premium subscriptions for WhatsApp, alongside Instagram and Facebook, offering access to expanded AI capabilities while maintaining free access to core services. WhatsApp's significance lies in its widespread use as a primary communication tool globally, making concerns about privacy and potential changes to its business model highly relevant to a vast user base. The platform's role in communication access is also highlighted by instances like internet shutdowns during elections, as seen in Uganda, though this is not directly controlled by WhatsApp.