🚀 Medial Secures Investment on Shark Tank India - Fueling the Future of Professional Social Networking. 🔥

Startup Showcase

Premium Content

Try our Valuation Calculator →

News on Medial

WhatsApp head Will Cathcart denies reports of chat app exploring ads to boost revenue

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

WhatsApp head Will Cathcart denies reports of chat app exploring ads to boost revenue

Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, has denied reports that the instant messaging platform is exploring the introduction of advertisements to increase revenue. A Financial Times report had suggested WhatsApp was considering adding ads to its chat app. Cathcart refuted these claims on Twitter, stating, "This @FT story is false. We aren't doing this." He also noted that the report misspelled a colleague's name. While there were discussions within Meta (WhatsApp's parent company) about showing ads in WhatsApp's chat screen, no final decisions were made, according to sources.

Related News

WhatsApp explores ads in chat app: Report

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

WhatsApp explores ads in chat app: Report

WhatsApp's head, Will Cathcart, refuted claims that the platform is considering introducing advertisements. Media reports had suggested that WhatsApp, owned by Meta, was exploring options to increase revenue, including displaying ads in chat lists. Cathcart dismissed these reports on X, stating that they were false. Additionally, WhatsApp recently announced the launch of WhatsApp Channels, a feature that allows organizations, sports teams, artists, and thought leaders to provide private updates to users.

WhatsApp considering introduction of Ads on Channels and Status

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

WhatsApp considering introduction of Ads on Channels and Status

WhatsApp is reportedly testing voice message and sticker features, and may introduce advertisements on its Status feature, according to the platform's head, Will Cathcart. While WhatsApp had denied such ad placement in the past, Cathcart mentioned that ads could be seen in other areas like Channels or Status, but not in the inbox. It is important to note that this is not a confirmation of ads being implemented. In September, WhatsApp took action against 7.11 million accounts in India, with 2.57 million being banned proactively.

Elon Musk's ‘exports user data’ remark gets sharp rebuke from WhatsApp

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Elon Musk's ‘exports user data’ remark gets sharp rebuke from WhatsApp

WhatsApp chief, Will Cathcart, has responded to Tesla CEO, Elon Musk's claim that the messaging app exports user data every night. Cathcart denies this allegation, emphasizing that WhatsApp takes security seriously and encrypts users' messages end-to-end. He clarifies that users' data is not sent or exported to WhatsApp every night. Cathcart suggests that users can use their cloud provider for message backups, with the option of enabling end-to-end encryption. The rivalry between Musk and Meta (formerly Facebook) has been ongoing, with Musk recently reigniting talks of a cage fight against Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

You'll see ads, now on WhatsApp too

Internet

Internet · 2m ago

You'll see ads, now on WhatsApp too

WhatsApp, led by Will Cathcart, plans to introduce ads within the 'Updates' tab, assuring users that privacy will remain intact with end-to-end encryption for chats and calls. This move allows monetization while maintaining the app's secure experience. Ads will target users based on limited data like location and language. The platform is expanding its business features in India and piloting AI tools to enhance customer service.

WhatsApp rolls out Protect IP address in calls feature

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

WhatsApp rolls out Protect IP address in calls feature

WhatsApp has introduced a new privacy feature called 'Protect IP Address in Calls'. This feature, available for Android and iOS users, routes individual calls through WhatsApp's servers, concealing the IP address of the participants. The enhancement offers an extra level of privacy and security, ensuring that user IP addresses remain hidden from other call participants. The feature is gradually being rolled out and can be enabled by accessing the Privacy settings in WhatsApp. Additionally, WhatsApp may introduce advertisements in the Status feature, according to a recent interview with WhatsApp's head, Will Cathcart.

The head of ChatGPT won’t rule out adding ads

The Verge

The Verge · 14d ago

The head of ChatGPT won’t rule out adding ads

OpenAI is considering incorporating ads into ChatGPT as part of its revenue strategies, according to Nick Turley, ChatGPT head. While cautious about integrating ads, Turley emphasizes the success of the subscription model, which significantly contributes to the projected $12.7 billion revenue for 2025. OpenAI is also exploring revenue through "Commerce in ChatGPT" by partnering with merchants for product recommendations. Despite financial growth, OpenAI isn't profit-positive yet, planning for cash-flow positivity by 2029.

Almost a decade after acquiring it, Mark Zuckerberg taps the strengths of WhatsApp

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Almost a decade after acquiring it, Mark Zuckerberg taps the strengths of WhatsApp

Mark Zuckerberg is tapping into the strengths of WhatsApp, the messaging app he acquired almost a decade ago. With over 2 billion users globally, WhatsApp has become increasingly crucial to Meta (formerly Facebook), bringing in significant revenue through ads and becoming a cornerstone for business messaging. Zuckerberg envisions WhatsApp as the private social platform of the future, highlighting its potential for intimate conversations and as a primary conversation app. Despite facing competition and regulatory challenges, WhatsApp continues to evolve, offering new features such as channels to attract a wider user base.

Recent Updates of WhatsApp

StartupTalky

StartupTalky · 3m ago

Recent Updates of WhatsApp

WhatsApp is testing a log-out feature for users to exit without data loss, offering flexibility without erasing chat history, similar to uninstalling the app. This will aid users needing breaks or fixes. The feature is in beta testing and under internal evaluation. Additionally, WhatsApp launched its long-awaited iPad app, supporting multitasking and devices like Apple Pencil, with end-to-end encryption across all devices, enhancing the user experience for iPad users previously relying on WhatsApp Web.

WhatsApp introduces first major advertising features

Economic Times

Economic Times · 2m ago

WhatsApp introduces first major advertising features

WhatsApp is introducing significant advertising features, including paid channel subscriptions, promoted channels, and ads within the Status section, targeting its Updates tab with privacy safeguards. The move aims to monetize its vast user base while maintaining end-to-end encryption for personal interactions. Users focused on messaging will notice no change. The planned rollout of these features will gradually occur over the coming months. This initiative reflects Meta's strategy to boost WhatsApp's revenue potential.

Meta could unveil Creative Image-to-Sticker feature in latest WhatsApp updates

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Meta could unveil Creative Image-to-Sticker feature in latest WhatsApp updates

WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will allow users to convert their images into stickers. The beta version for Android 2.24.6.8 includes settings that give users control over who can use their avatars in stickers. This gives users more control over the use of their personal images, enhancing privacy and security. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is also exploring the possibility of integrating messages from third-party instant messaging services into WhatsApp, signaling a move towards increased interoperability. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is developing a chat interoperability feature to comply with Europe's Digital Markets Act regulations.

Trackers

Active Indian VC’s

OG Capital Email

With a hands-on approach, OG Capital aims to invest in over 20 promising...

Accel Partners Email

Early and growth-stage investments in disruptive technology companies with...

Early-stage venture capital firm investing in technology startups in India. Focus on...

Access All Trackers

Startup Showcase Winners

June 2025

Helping your parents when you are miles away

The Pit Stop Your Cravings Deserve

The next generation E-commerce platform

Enter Ongoing Startup Showcase

Top Users

Trending News on Medial

Just Months After Promotion, Open ...

Microsoft locks down a building a ...

Gaming Ban Stumps Cricket: Virat ...

Download the medial app to read full posts, comements and news.