WhatsApp

Meta Platforms-owned mobile instant messenger and social media service

WhatsApp Messenger is a freeware and cross-platform messaging and voice over IP (VoIP) service owned by Meta.[9] The application allows the sending of text messages and voice calls, as well as video calls, images and other media, documents, and user location.[10][11]

WhatsApp
Original author(s)Brian Acton, Jan Koum
Developer(s)Meta Platforms, Will Cathcart (Head of WhatsApp)[1][2]
Initial releaseFebruary 2009; 15 years ago (2009-02)
Written inErlang[3]
Operating systemAndroid, iOS, iPadOS, KaiOS, macOS, Windows, Windows Phone, Wear OS, Web, Meta Quest (The latter two require one-time verification from the mobile app client.)
Size183.7 MB (iOS)[4]
48.02 MB (Android)[5]
Available in40 (iOS) and 60 (Android)[6] languages
TypeInstant messaging, VoIP
LicenseProprietary software with EULA
"European Region"[7]
"others"[8]
Websitewhatsapp.com Edit this on Wikidata

The application runs from a mobile device though it is also accessible from desktop computers. The service requires consumer users to provide a standard cellular mobile number.[12] Originally users could only communicate with other users individually or in groups of individual users. In September 2017 WhatsApp announced a forthcoming business platform which will enable companies to provide customer service to users.[13]

References

change
  1. Horwitz, Jeff (February 12, 2020). "As WhatsApp Tops 2 Billion Users, Its Boss Vows to Defend Encryption". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on March 17, 2020. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  2. Cathcart, Will. "Why WhatsApp is pushing back on NSO Group hacking". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 30, 2019. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  3. O'Connell, Ainsley (February 21, 2014). "Inside Erlang, The Rare Programming Language Behind WhatsApp's Success". Fast Company. Archived from the original on February 2, 2018. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  4. "WhatsApp Messenger". App Store. Archived from the original on April 30, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
  5. "WhatsApp Messenger APKs". APKMirror. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  6. "WhatsApp Help Center - How to change WhatsApp's language". whatsapp.com. Archived from the original on July 3, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  7. "WhatsApp". whatsapp.com. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
  8. "WhatsApp Business Terms of Service". whatsapp.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
  9. Metz, Cade (5 April 2016). "Forget Apple vs. the FBI: WhatsApp just switched on encryption for a billion people". Wired (magazine). Condé Nast. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  10. Voice calling, March 12, 2015
  11. "WhatsApp Voice Calling". Forbes. April 4, 2015.
  12. "WhatsApp FAQ - Using one WhatsApp account on multiple phones, or with multiple phone numbers". WhatsApp.com.
  13. "Building for People, and Now Businesses". WhatsApp.com.