History of WhatsApp in Timeline
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is a popular messaging service that provides instant messaging and voice/video call functionality. Users can connect via their mobile devices or computers to send text messages, voice messages, videos, images, documents, and location data. Launched in January 2018, WhatsApp Business allows businesses to connect with customers using the WhatsApp platform. Although a mobile phone number is required for registration, users can access WhatsApp on various devices.
March 2007: Nokia N95 Becomes One of the Oldest Devices to Support WhatsApp
While no longer supported, the Symbian-based Nokia N95, released in March 2007, was one of the earliest devices capable of running WhatsApp.
2008: Previous Facebook Outage
The last Facebook outage comparable to the one in 2021 occurred in 2008.
February 2009: WhatsApp Founded
Brian Acton and Jan Koum, former Yahoo! employees, founded WhatsApp in February 2009. The initial concept was an app to display statuses in a phone's Contacts, indicating availability.
February 24, 2009: WhatsApp Inc. Established
On February 24, 2009, Koum officially incorporated WhatsApp Inc. in California. Early versions of the app faced stability issues, leading Koum to contemplate giving up.
June 2009: Apple's Push Notifications Boost WhatsApp
In June 2009, the introduction of Apple's push notifications proved to be a turning point for WhatsApp, allowing users to receive messages even when the app wasn't actively used.
August 2009: WhatsApp 2.0 and User Growth
August 2009 marked the release of WhatsApp 2.0 for iPhone, introducing a dedicated messaging component that significantly boosted its popularity, propelling its active user base to 250,000.
October 2009: Sequoia's Initial Investment
In October 2009, Acton convinced five former Yahoo! colleagues to invest $250,000 as seed funding, leading to Acton becoming a co-founder and gaining a stake in WhatsApp.
November 2009: WhatsApp for iOS Officially Launches
After a beta period, the first official version of WhatsApp for iOS was launched in November 2009.
December 2009: Photo Sharing Feature Added
WhatsApp added the capability to send photos in December 2009, enhancing its multimedia sharing features.
2009: Facebook Blocked in China
In 2009, Facebook, WhatsApp's parent company, was blocked in China.
January 2010: WhatsApp Adds Support for BlackBerry Smartphones
In January 2010, WhatsApp expanded its reach by adding support for BlackBerry smartphones.
May 2010: WhatsApp Expands to Symbian OS
WhatsApp became available on Symbian OS in May 2010, broadening its user base.
May 2010: WhatsApp Expands to Symbian OS
WhatsApp expanded its platform compatibility in May 2010 by launching a version for Symbian OS.
August 2010: WhatsApp Launches on Android
August 2010 marked a significant milestone with the launch of WhatsApp on Android OS, tapping into a rapidly growing mobile market.
August 2010: WhatsApp Launches on Android
WhatsApp for Android OS was released in August 2010, expanding its reach to a wider mobile user base.
November 2010: iOS Updates Released
In November 2010, WhatsApp released several improvements for its iOS version, including message search, video trimming, media cancellation, and photo preview.
2010: WhatsApp a Top Downloaded App
By 2010, WhatsApp had become popular, eventually becoming the 3rd most downloaded app of the following decade.
April 2011: Sequoia Capital's Second Investment
After months of negotiations, Sequoia Capital made a significant investment of approximately $8 million for over 15% of WhatsApp in April 2011, demonstrating the growing confidence in the app's potential.
August 2011: WhatsApp Beta Released for Nokia Series 40
WhatsApp took a step towards feature phones by releasing a beta version for Nokia's Series 40 platform in August 2011.
2011: WhatsApp Among Top Apps
By early 2011, WhatsApp's popularity surged, securing its place among the top 20 apps on the U.S. Apple App Store.
March 2012: Location Sharing Enhanced
In March 2012, WhatsApp improved its location-sharing feature, allowing users to share specific locations, such as restaurants or hotels.
April 2012: WhatsApp's Messaging Surge
WhatsApp's message volume surged to 2 billion per day in April 2012, highlighting its growing dominance in the mobile messaging landscape.
May 2012: WhatsApp Introduces Encryption After Initial Criticism
After facing criticism for its lack of encryption, WhatsApp implemented its first encryption feature in May 2012, initially sending information as plaintext.
August 2012: WhatsApp Reaches 10 Billion Messages a Day
WhatsApp's rapid growth was evident in August 2012 when it reached a record 10 billion messages processed daily, showcasing its increasing popularity.
2012: Random password generation implemented
In 2012, WhatsApp updated their security to implement randomly generated passwords on the server side.
February 2013: WhatsApp Reaches 200 Million Users and Acquires SkyMobius
By February 2013, WhatsApp reached 200 million active users and grew its staff to 50. Sequoia Capital further invested $50 million, valuing WhatsApp at an impressive $1.5 billion. In the same year, WhatsApp acquired SkyMobius, the company behind the video and voice calling app Vtok.
March 2013: WhatsApp Adds Support for BlackBerry 10
WhatsApp continued its support for BlackBerry devices by adding compatibility for BlackBerry 10 in March 2013.
June 13, 2013: WhatsApp Shatters Messaging Records
On June 13, 2013, WhatsApp achieved a new milestone by processing 27 billion messages, solidifying its position as a game-changer in mobile messaging.
August 2013: Voice Messages Introduced
In August 2013, WhatsApp added voice messaging to its app, enabling users to send short audio recordings.
December 2013: WhatsApp Surpasses 400 Million Users
WhatsApp announced in December 2013 that it had surpassed 400 million active users monthly. Despite its growth, the company ended the year with $148 million in expenses, resulting in $138 million in losses.
2013: WhatsApp's Strong Presence in Israel
By 2013, WhatsApp had already gained widespread adoption in Israel, with 92% of smartphones having the app installed and 86% of users using it daily.
2013: UAE Bans WhatsApp Video and VoIP Calls
In 2013, the UAE banned WhatsApp's video chat and VoIP call features, reportedly to protect the interests of their national telecom providers.
2013: WhatsApp Cracks Down on Third-Party Client
In mid-2013, WhatsApp filed a DMCA takedown request to remove a discussion thread about "WhatsApp Plus," a popular third-party client, from the XDA Developers forums.
February 2014: Zuckerberg Links WhatsApp to Internet.org Vision
During the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February 2014, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, highlighted the connection between Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp and the company's vision for Internet.org, emphasizing its role in connecting the unconnected.
February 2014: Facebook Acquires WhatsApp
In February 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for a record-breaking US$19 billion, marking its largest acquisition at the time.
February 19, 2014: Facebook Acquires WhatsApp for US$19 Billion
On February 19, 2014, Facebook, Inc. (now Meta Platforms) made a groundbreaking move by acquiring WhatsApp for US$19 billion. This acquisition, the largest in Facebook's history at the time, solidified WhatsApp's value and potential.
April 22, 2014: WhatsApp Surpasses 500 Million Users
By April 22, 2014, WhatsApp had amassed an impressive user base of over 500 million monthly active users. The platform was handling massive daily traffic with 700 million photos, 100 million videos, and 10 billion messages.
May 9, 2014: Iran Proposes WhatsApp Ban
On May 9, 2014, Iran announced its intention to block WhatsApp, citing the American Zionist background of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
May 2014: WhatsApp's Meteoric Rise in India
WhatsApp's popularity in India soared in May 2014 as it crossed 50 million monthly active users, marking a significant portion of its global user base.
August 2014: WhatsApp Becomes World's Most Used Messaging App
By August 2014, WhatsApp had become the world's most popular messaging app, amassing over 600 million users.
August 2014: WhatsApp Adds Android Wear Support
In August 2014, WhatsApp released an update to support Android Wear smartwatches, allowing users to receive notifications and send messages from their wrists.
August 24, 2014: WhatsApp User Base Balloons to 600 Million
On August 24, 2014, WhatsApp announced reaching 600 million active users globally, with a staggering addition of 25 million new users monthly.
October 2014: India Becomes WhatsApp's Largest Market
By October 2014, India became WhatsApp's largest market with 70 million monthly active users, representing 10% of its global user base.
November 18, 2014: Partnership with Open Whisper Systems announced
On November 18, 2014, WhatsApp and Open Whisper Systems announced a partnership, with the goal of adding end-to-end encryption to WhatsApp.
2014: Android Wear support added
In 2014, WhatsApp added support for Android Wear, later renamed to Wear OS.
2014: Facebook's Misleading Claims During WhatsApp Acquisition
The European Commission found that Facebook made false claims during its 2014 acquisition of WhatsApp, stating that it was technically impossible to automatically combine user data from Facebook and WhatsApp.
January 2015: WhatsApp Web Launches, Mirroring Conversations from Mobile Devices
In January 2015, WhatsApp Web was launched, offering a web-based client that mirrored conversations from the user's mobile device, initially supporting Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone.
January 2015: Web Client Launched
In January 2015, WhatsApp launched a web client, allowing users to mirror chats to their browsers using a QR code. The web client was dependent on the phone's connection and initially unavailable for iOS.
January 2015: WhatsApp's Rapid User and Message Growth
In early January 2015, WhatsApp continued its rapid growth, reaching 700 million monthly users and handling over 30 billion messages daily.
January 21, 2015: WhatsApp Web Launches, Providing Access from Browsers
On January 21, 2015, WhatsApp Web, a browser-based client synced with the mobile app, was launched, enabling users to access WhatsApp on computers.
February 2015: Voice calling feature launched
In February 2015, WhatsApp launched a new voice calling feature.
April 2015: End-to-End Encryption for Android Confirmed
In April 2015, German magazine Heise Security confirmed that end-to-end encryption was active for Android to Android messages on WhatsApp.
April 2015: Voice Calls Added
In April 2015, WhatsApp introduced voice calls between accounts.
April 2015: WhatsApp Expands to Samsung's Tizen OS
In April 2015, WhatsApp further broadened its platform support by becoming available on Samsung's Tizen OS.
April 2015: Forbes Predicts WhatsApp's Impact on Telecom Industry
Forbes predicted in April 2015 that the telecommunications industry would lose an estimated $386 billion between 2012 and 2018 due to the rise of over-the-top (OTT) services like WhatsApp and Skype, highlighting the disruption these apps brought to traditional communication models.
September 2015: WhatsApp User Base Expands to 900 Million
WhatsApp's user base continued its impressive growth, reaching 900 million by September 2015.
November 2015: ISIS Reportedly Used WhatsApp to Plan Paris Attacks and Sex Trafficking
In November 2015, terrorist group ISIS reportedly used WhatsApp to plan the Paris attacks and for sex trafficking.
November 30, 2015: WhatsApp Blocks Telegram Links
On November 30, 2015, the Android version of WhatsApp stopped users from clicking or copying links to the messaging service Telegram. This move was deemed intentional by several sources, leading to accusations of anti-competitive behavior against WhatsApp.
December 2015: ISIS Reportedly Used WhatsApp to Plan Paris Attacks and Sex Trafficking
In December 2015, reports emerged that the terrorist group ISIS had used WhatsApp to coordinate the November 2015 Paris attacks and for sex trafficking.
2015: WhatsApp Becomes World's Most Popular Messaging App
WhatsApp became the world's most popular messaging application in 2015.
2015: Third-Party WhatsApp Clients Targeted
In 2015, WhatsApp issued cease and desist orders to developers of third-party clients found to be reverse-engineering its app. Consequently, users of these unofficial clients were also banned.
January 18, 2016: WhatsApp Removes Subscription Fee
In an effort to make its service accessible to a broader audience, WhatsApp announced on January 18, 2016, that it would no longer charge the $1 annual subscription fee.
February 2016: WhatsApp Achieves 1 Billion Users
In February 2016, WhatsApp celebrated a significant achievement by hitting the 1 billion user mark, solidifying its dominance in the global messaging market.
February 26, 2016: WhatsApp Announces Plans to End Support for Older Platforms
On February 26, 2016, WhatsApp announced the discontinuation of support for older platforms like BlackBerry, Nokia Series 40, Symbian S60, and older Android, iOS, and Windows Phone versions by the end of 2016.
March 1, 2016: Facebook VP Arrested in Brazil Over WhatsApp Investigation
On March 1, 2016, Diego Dzodan, Facebook's VP for Latin America, was arrested in Brazil for not cooperating with an investigation seeking access to WhatsApp conversations.
March 2, 2016: Facebook VP Released in Brazil
On March 2, 2016, a day after his arrest, Dzodan was released by a Brazilian court that deemed his detention disproportionate and unreasonable.
March 2016: Limited File Sharing Introduced
Between March 2016 and May 2017, WhatsApp only allowed sharing limited file types categorized as images, videos, and documents.
April 5, 2016: End-to-end encryption for all communication announced
On April 5, 2016, WhatsApp and Open Whisper Systems announced the completion of their project to incorporate end-to-end encryption on all forms of communication through WhatsApp.
April 2016: WhatsApp Implements End-to-End Encryption
In April 2016, following a two-year process, WhatsApp fully implemented end-to-end encryption for all communications on its platform.
May 2, 2016: WhatsApp Blocked in Brazil for 2nd Time
On May 2, 2016, WhatsApp was blocked in Brazil for 72 hours for failing to comply with criminal court orders. This was the second time the messaging service was blocked in the country. An appeal lifted the block in less than 24 hours.
May 10, 2016: Desktop app launched
On May 10, 2016, a desktop application for WhatsApp was released, compatible with Windows and MacOS operating systems.
May 2016: WhatsApp Gold Scam Spreads Malware to Users' Phones
In May 2016, a scam involving a fake app called WhatsApp Gold tricked users into downloading malware onto their phones, highlighting the spread of scams through the platform.
June 2016: Milestone: 100 Million Voice Calls Daily
By June 2016, WhatsApp reported over 100 million voice calls being made daily on the platform.
November 10, 2016: Two-Factor Authentication Beta
On November 10, 2016, WhatsApp launched a beta version of two-factor authentication for Android users, enhancing security.
November 14, 2016: Video calling feature launched
On November 14, 2016, WhatsApp introduced a new feature allowing users to video call each other using the platform.
November 2016: Changes to Data Collection and Introduction of Video Calls
In November 2016, Facebook stopped collecting WhatsApp user data for advertising in Europe. Additionally, WhatsApp introduced video calls between accounts.
December 2016: WhatsApp Scam Impacts Over 1.5 Million Users in Brazil
By December 2016, a WhatsApp scam had affected over 1.5 million users in Brazil, tricking them into clicking a message that sent paid text messages from their accounts.
2016: WhatsApp Accused of Copying Features
In 2016, WhatsApp faced accusations of copying features from its competitors. Notably, it was accused of replicating features from Telegram's web version and group functionalities, as well as from an unreleased version of iMessage.
2016: Turkey Temporarily Bans WhatsApp After Ambassador's Assassination
In 2016, Turkey imposed a temporary ban on WhatsApp following the assassination of the Russian ambassador to Turkey.
2016: WhatsApp Shares User Data with Facebook
Despite its previous claims, WhatsApp began sharing user information with its parent company, Facebook, in 2016. This data sharing enabled Facebook to utilize information like phone numbers for targeted advertising, raising concerns about user privacy.
2016: WhatsApp Dominates Internet Communication in Key Regions
By 2016, WhatsApp emerged as the primary means of internet communication in several regions, including Latin America, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of Europe and Africa.
2016: WhatsApp Receives Praise and Criticism for Encryption and Backup Practices
In 2016, WhatsApp earned recognition for its implementation of end-to-end encryption, achieving a score of 6 out of 7 on the Electronic Frontier Foundation's "Secure Messaging Scorecard." However, it also faced criticism from security researchers and the EFF for using backups that lacked end-to-end encryption, potentially exposing messages to third-party access.
February 2017: WhatsApp User Base Exceeds 1.2 Billion
By February 2017, WhatsApp's global user base had swelled to over 1.2 billion, further solidifying its position as a leading messaging platform.
February 2017: WhatsApp's Indian User Base Reaches 200 Million
WhatsApp's dominance in India continued with its monthly active users reaching 200 million in February 2017, cementing its position as the country's leading messaging app.
February 24, 2017: Status Feature Launch
On its 8th birthday, February 24, 2017, WhatsApp introduced the Status feature, inspired by Snapchat and Facebook stories.
March 2017: UK Home Secretary Calls for Access to Encrypted Messages After Westminster Attack
In March 2017, following the Westminster attack where the perpetrator used WhatsApp, UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd called for law enforcement access to encrypted messaging services.
April 2017: Stockholm Attacker Used WhatsApp to Communicate with ISIS Supporter
In April 2017, it was reported that the perpetrator of the Stockholm truck attack had used WhatsApp to exchange messages with an ISIS supporter before and after the incident, discussing bomb-making and confessing to the attack.
April 2017: WhatsApp Groups Used to Mobilize Stone-Pelters in Jammu and Kashmir
In April 2017, reports revealed that around 300 WhatsApp groups were being used to organize stone-pelters in Jammu and Kashmir, India, to disrupt security forces. The National Investigation Agency found that many group members were based in Pakistan and Gulf nations.
May 2017: WhatsApp Users Embrace Video Calling
May 2017 marked a significant milestone as WhatsApp users spent over 340 million minutes, equivalent to 646 years, on video calls daily.
May 2017: Limited File Types Allowed
Until May 2017, WhatsApp's file sharing was limited to specific file types.
May 18, 2017: European Commission Fines Facebook for Misleading Information
On May 18, 2017, the European Commission imposed a €110 million fine on Facebook for providing misleading information regarding its takeover of WhatsApp in 2014.
June 2017: Support for BlackBerry and Series 40 Extended Again
In June 2017, WhatsApp further extended support for BlackBerry and Nokia Series 40 to the end of 2017, while ending support for Symbian.
June 30, 2017: WhatsApp Extends Support for BlackBerry, Nokia Series 40, and Symbian
Support for BlackBerry, Nokia Series 40, and Symbian was extended to June 30, 2017, after initially planning to end it in 2016.
July 2017: Permission granted for UPI payments in India
In July 2017, WhatsApp was granted permission by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to facilitate payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
July 2017: Expanded File Sharing
In July 2017, WhatsApp expanded its file-sharing capabilities to include all file types with a 100 MB limit.
September 2017: Brian Acton Leaves WhatsApp, Business Platform Announced
In September 2017, WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton left to start the Signal Foundation. WhatsApp also announced a business platform for customer service, with airlines KLM and Aeroméxico participating in testing.
September 2017: WhatsApp Blocked in China
In September 2017, it was reported that WhatsApp had been completely blocked in China, where its parent company Meta's main service, Facebook, has been banned since 2009.
November 2017: 'Delete for Everyone' Feature Introduced
In November 2017, WhatsApp added a new feature that allows users to delete messages up to seven minutes after sending.
2017: Lynch mobs in India linked to WhatsApp messages
In 2017, a series of violent incidents occured in India, with lynch mobs murdering innocent people after receiving misinformation and false accusations through WhatsApp.
2017: Boldend, Backed by Peter Thiel, Develops WhatsApp Hacking Tools
Boldend, a startup founded in 2017 and partially funded by Peter Thiel, developed tools to circumvent WhatsApp's encryption, potentially jeopardizing user privacy and security.
January 1, 2018: WhatsApp Ends Support for More Older Platforms
WhatsApp ended support for older BlackBerry, Windows Phone 8.0, and iOS 6 devices on January 1, 2018.
January 2018: WhatsApp Business Launched
In January 2018, WhatsApp launched WhatsApp Business, designed for small businesses.
January 2018: WhatsApp Business Launch
In January 2018, WhatsApp launched a standalone app called WhatsApp Business, designed for businesses to communicate with customers using the standard WhatsApp client.
January 2018: WhatsApp Launches Business Apps
January 2018 saw WhatsApp launch two separate apps tailored for businesses, each catering to a different user base.
April 2018: Jan Koum Departure Announced
In April 2018, WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum announced his departure from the company.
July 2018: WhatsApp Announces Plans for KaiOS Feature Phone Support
In July 2018, WhatsApp revealed plans to make its messaging service available on KaiOS feature phones, expanding its reach to more affordable devices.
September 2018: Group Audio and Video Calls
In September 2018, WhatsApp introduced group audio and video call features.
October 25, 2018: Sticker Support Launched
On October 25, 2018, WhatsApp added support for stickers, but unlike other platforms, third-party apps were required.
November 2018: Acton and Koum Forfeit Stock Options
By November 2018, Acton and Koum gave up $1.3 billion in unvested stock options due to concerns about Facebook's influence on privacy, advertising, and monetization.
December 2018: Nokia Series 40 Support Extended
Support for Nokia Series 40 was extended to December 2018, later than other older platforms.
2018: NHS Staff Disciplined for WhatsApp Use
In 2018, over 29,000 National Health Service (NHS) staff faced disciplinary action for using WhatsApp and similar messaging apps at work, despite their prevalence among frontline clinical staff for care coordination.
2018: Message forwarding limits introduced
In 2018, WhatsApp introduced limits on message forwarding in an attempt to combat spam and misinformation.
2018: WhatsApp Abused for Fake News Spread in Brazilian Elections
In 2018, investigations revealed that WhatsApp was exploited to disseminate fake news during the Brazilian presidential elections. US$3 million was reportedly spent on illicit concealed contributions related to this activity.
February 28, 2019: Facebook developing in-house cryptocurrency
On February 28, 2019, reports came out that Facebook was developing its own cryptocurrency, intended to be incorporated into WhatsApp.
March 2019: WhatsApp Issues Warning Against Unofficial Apps
In March 2019, WhatsApp released a guide warning users about the risks of using unofficial modified versions of the app and threatened potential bans.
May 2019: WhatsApp Targeted by Spyware Attack
In May 2019, WhatsApp was hit by a major spyware attack, allegedly from NSO Group, exploiting a vulnerability in its VoIP calling feature to inject malware onto users' phones.
May 2019: WhatsApp Patches Spyware Vulnerability Exploiting Call Function
A security vulnerability identified in May 2019 allowed attackers to install spyware on devices through WhatsApp calls, even if the calls were not answered. The vulnerability was subsequently patched.
June 2019: Facebook coin project named Libra
In June 2019, Facebook announced their cryptocurrency project would be called 'Libra', with an associated digital wallet called 'Calibra'.
August 2019: Check Point Discovers Group Chat Crash Vulnerability in WhatsApp
In August 2019, Check Point discovered a security vulnerability in WhatsApp that could allow attackers to crash the app repeatedly for all members of a group chat. The bug was reported to WhatsApp and later patched.
September 2019: WhatsApp's "Delete for Everyone" Feature Criticized for iOS Limitation
In September 2019, WhatsApp faced criticism for a limitation in its 'delete for everyone' feature on iOS devices. The feature failed to delete media already saved to the user's camera roll due to Apple's security layers, leading to concerns about data privacy.
October 2019: Fingerprint App Locking for Android
In October 2019, WhatsApp released a fingerprint app-locking feature for Android users, enhancing security and privacy.
November 2019: WhatsApp Releases Privacy Feature for Group Addition Control
In November 2019, WhatsApp introduced a privacy-enhancing feature that provided users with greater control over their participation in groups by allowing them to decide who could add them.
November 25, 2019: Investment in Indian Startups
On November 25, 2019, WhatsApp announced a $250,000 investment to provide 500 Indian startups with Facebook ad credits.
December 2019: Operating System Updates and App Ranking
In December 2019, WhatsApp announced updates regarding operating system requirements for its app. The company also shared that WhatsApp was the 3rd most downloaded mobile app of the 2010-2019 decade.
December 2019: WhatsApp Fixes Malicious GIF Vulnerability
A security flaw discovered in December 2019 allowed hackers to exploit malicious GIF images to gain access to recipients' data. The flaw was triggered when the recipient opened their WhatsApp gallery, even without sending the image. WhatsApp addressed the issue with a patch.
December 17, 2019: WhatsApp Addresses Group Chat Crash Vulnerability
A security flaw discovered in August 2019 and patched on December 17, 2019, enabled attackers to crash the WhatsApp application for all members of a group chat repeatedly. The bug, which required users to uninstall and reinstall the app to resolve, was fixed in version 2.19.246 onwards.
December 31, 2019: Windows Phone Support Ends
WhatsApp announced that Windows Phone operating systems would no longer be supported after December 31, 2019.
2019: Partnership with WHO and UNICEF
In 2019, WhatsApp began working with the World Health Organization and UNICEF to combat misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic.
January 2020: Jeff Bezos' Phone Hacked Through WhatsApp
In January 2020, reports emerged that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' phone was hacked in 2018 via a malicious file received through a WhatsApp message from the Saudi Crown Prince's account.
January 2020: WhatsApp Achieves 5 Billion Installs
In a remarkable achievement, WhatsApp surpassed 5 billion installs on the Google Play Store in January 2020, making it the second non-Google app to reach this milestone.
February 1, 2020: Operating System Support Deadline
WhatsApp set a deadline of February 1, 2020, for users to update to iOS 9 or higher for Apple devices and version 4.0 for select Android devices.
February 2020: WhatsApp Reaches 2 Billion Users
By February 2020, WhatsApp reached 2 billion users worldwide, solidifying its position as the world's most popular messaging application.
February 2020: WhatsApp Reaches 2 Billion Users
WhatsApp's global user base reached an astounding 2 billion users in February 2020, solidifying its dominance in the messaging app market.
April 2020: NSO Group Implicates Government Clients in WhatsApp Human Rights Abuse Allegations
In April 2020, the NSO Group, facing a lawsuit from WhatsApp over alleged human rights abuses, shifted blame to its government clients. While not disclosing specific names, the NSO Group suggested that revealing end users could compromise national security and foreign policy interests.
April 2020: NSO Group Implicates Clients in WhatsApp Spyware Controversy
In April 2020, the NSO Group, facing a lawsuit from WhatsApp, claimed its government clients were responsible for any alleged human rights abuses related to their spyware.
May 2020: Calibra rebranded to Novi
In May 2020, Facebook's digital wallet, Calibra, was renamed to 'Novi'.
June 23, 2020: Brazil Blocks WhatsApp's Payment System
On June 23, 2020, Brazil's Central Bank ordered Visa and Mastercard to stop working with WhatsApp on its new electronic payment system. The bank aimed to protect competition and ensure a fair payment system.
July 16, 2020: WhatsApp's Lawsuit Against NSO Group Can Proceed
On July 16, 2020, a US federal judge ruled that WhatsApp's lawsuit against NSO Group, alleging the cyberattack violated US laws, could proceed.
October 2020: WhatsApp Introduces Pricing for Business API
In October 2020, Facebook announced a new pricing structure for services using the WhatsApp Business API, with charges applied per message.
October 2020: Indefinite Chat Mute Option
In October 2020, WhatsApp added the option to mute individual and group chats indefinitely, replacing the "1 year" option with "Always."
November 2020: UPI payments initially restricted
In November 2020, UPI payments via WhatsApp were restricted to 20 million users in India.
December 2020: Libra renamed to Diem
In December 2020, Facebook renamed their Libra cryptocurrency to 'Diem'.
December 16, 2020: WhatsApp Accused of Granting Google Access to Private Messages in Antitrust Case
On December 16, 2020, an antitrust case against Google included allegations that WhatsApp had granted the tech giant access to private user messages. However, due to redactions in the complaint, it remained unclear whether this alleged access involved compromising end-to-end encryption or accessing user backups.
2020: Dark Mode Released
In early 2020, WhatsApp introduced a "dark mode" for iPhone and Android, offering a darker color scheme.
2020: WhatsApp announces changes for Indian users
In 2020, following multiple violent incidents in India linked to misinformation on the platform, WhatsApp announced changes for Indian users, including labels on forwarded messages.
2020: Combating Misinformation during Pandemic
In 2020, WhatsApp partnered with WHO and UNICEF, providing hotlines for pandemic information. They also tested a feature to combat misinformation.
January 2021: WhatsApp Patches Encryption Vulnerability Exploited by Boldend
In early 2022, it was disclosed that Boldend, a San Diego-based startup, had developed tools capable of compromising WhatsApp's encryption and accessing user data. The vulnerability, which had existed since Boldend's inception in 2017, was reportedly addressed by WhatsApp in January 2021. Interestingly, Boldend's financial backers include Peter Thiel, a prominent investor in Facebook.
January 2021: Limited Android beta version of WhatsApp Web released
In January 2021, a beta version of WhatsApp Web was released for Android users, allowing them to use the platform without an active internet connection on their phones.
January 2021: Controversial Privacy Policy Update Announced
In January 2021, WhatsApp announced a new Privacy Policy, enabling data sharing with Facebook. This sparked controversy and user migration to alternatives like Signal and Telegram. The update was postponed due to criticism.
January 2021: WhatsApp Announces Controversial Privacy Policy Update Involving Data Sharing with Facebook
In January 2021, WhatsApp announced a change to its privacy policy, stating that user data would be shared with Facebook and its affiliated companies starting in February 2021. The update, which removed the option for users to opt-out of data sharing (except for EU users protected by GDPR), sparked widespread criticism and led to a postponement of the policy's enforcement to May 15, 2021.
February 8, 2021: Initial Deadline for Privacy Policy Update
Initially, WhatsApp set February 8, 2021, as the deadline for users to accept the new Privacy Policy, which allowed data sharing with Facebook.
February 2021: WhatsApp Delays Enforcement of Controversial Privacy Policy and Clarifies Stance on Functionality
In February 2021, WhatsApp delayed the implementation of its controversial privacy policy update, originally slated for February 8, to May 15, 2021. The company also clarified that it had no intentions of restricting the app's functionality for users who did not consent to the new terms.
March 2021: Third-Party Animated Sticker Support
In March 2021, WhatsApp rolled out support for third-party animated stickers, expanding creative options within chats.
March 2021: WhatsApp Web beta extended to iOS
In March 2021, the beta version of WhatsApp Web that allows use without an active phone connection was extended to iOS users.
May 15, 2021: Postponed Privacy Policy Update
WhatsApp delayed the controversial Privacy Policy update to May 15, 2021, after facing criticism.
July 2021: Uncompressed Media and Multi-Device Support
In July 2021, WhatsApp announced plans for sending uncompressed media and end-to-end encrypted backups in Facebook's cloud. They were also testing multi-device support, allowing computer use without an active phone session.
July 2021: Cuba Blocks WhatsApp Amid Protests
During anti-government protests in July 2021, the Cuban government blocked access to WhatsApp and other social media platforms to control the flow of information.
August 2021: WhatsApp Enables Chat History Transfers Between Mobile Operating Systems
In August 2021, WhatsApp introduced a feature to transfer chat history between Android and iOS, but it was initially limited to Samsung phones.
August 2021: Zambia Blocks WhatsApp During Election
In August 2021, WhatsApp was reportedly blocked in Zambia during the general election, according to Access Now. The government didn't officially acknowledge the block.
September 2021: WhatsApp's Use of Contractors and AI for Content Moderation Revealed
In September 2021, it was revealed that WhatsApp employs external contractors and utilizes artificial intelligence systems to review flagged user content, such as messages, images, and videos, for potential abuse. Metadata, including account and location information, is shared with law enforcement.
October 4, 2021: Major Facebook Outage Impacts WhatsApp
On October 4, 2021, a major Facebook outage also affected Instagram and WhatsApp, highlighting the interconnected nature of these platforms.
October 14, 2021: End-to-end encryption for backups rolled out
On October 14, 2021, WhatsApp rolled out end-to-end encryption for user backups.
October 2021: WhatsApp Web No Longer Requires Constant Phone Connection
An update in October 2021 allowed WhatsApp Web to function without requiring the user's phone to be constantly connected to the internet, enhancing its usability.
October 15, 2021: WhatsApp Introduces End-to-End Encrypted Chat Backups
On October 15, 2021, WhatsApp announced the rollout of end-to-end encryption for chat backups. This feature prevents any third party, including WhatsApp and cloud storage providers, from accessing user data stored in backups on Apple iCloud or Google Drive.
November 2021: WhatsApp Begins Tracking Users in China and Macau for US DEA
Starting in November 2021, WhatsApp began tracking the activity of seven users in China and Macau based on a request from US DEA investigators. The app collected data on their contacts, communication frequency, and app usage patterns.
November 29, 2021: FBI Document Reveals WhatsApp's Rapid Response to Law Enforcement Requests for User Data
An FBI document, uncovered by Rolling Stone on November 29, 2021, revealed that WhatsApp promptly responds to warrants and subpoenas from law enforcement agencies, providing user metadata such as contact information and address books within minutes.
December 2021: Swiss Army Bans WhatsApp Over Data Concerns
The Swiss army banned its personnel from using WhatsApp and other non-Swiss messaging apps in December 2021. This decision was driven by concerns over potential US access to user data under the CLOUD Act.
December 2021: WhatsApp Changes Default "Last Seen" Privacy Setting
In December 2021, WhatsApp enhanced user privacy by changing the default setting for "Last Seen" from "everyone" to only contacts or recent conversations.
2021: Forwarding limits expanded
In 2021, WhatsApp expanded their message forwarding limits.
2021: FBI Document Reveals Vulnerability in WhatsApp and iMessage
In 2021, an FBI document revealed that WhatsApp and iMessage have vulnerabilities that could allow law enforcement agencies to conduct real-time searches.
January 2022: The Wire Retracts Story on BJP's Alleged Use of WhatsApp Hacking App
In January 2022, The Wire published then retracted a story alleging that India's BJP party used an app called Tek Fog to hack WhatsApp accounts for spreading propaganda. The publication issued an apology for the hoax.
January 2022: WhatsApp's Tracking of Chinese Users at the Behest of US DEA Revealed
In January 2022, it came to light that WhatsApp had been tracking seven users based in China and Macau since November 2021 at the request of US DEA investigators. This revelation raised concerns about the potential for covert surveillance of users without probable cause or clear links to criminal activity, leveraging the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.
April 2022: UPI payment user limit increased
In April 2022, WhatsApp increased the number of users who could make UPI payments to 100 million.
April 2022: WhatsApp Announces Upcoming Features: Communities, Reactions, and More
In April 2022, WhatsApp shared plans for new features like Communities (grouping multiple chats), reactions, admin message deletion in groups, and expanded voice call capacity.
April 2022: Multi-device beta integrated by default
In April 2022, the multi-device beta for WhatsApp Web was integrated by default, but removed the ability to check older messages.
May 2022: WhatsApp Increases File Upload Limit and Group Size
WhatsApp increased the file upload limit to 2GB (from 100MB) and expanded group capacity to 512 members in May 2022.
May 2022: FBI Arrests Suspect Plotting to Assassinate George W. Bush Based on WhatsApp Data
In May 2022, the FBI apprehended an individual suspected of planning to assassinate former US President George W. Bush, with WhatsApp data playing a key role in the arrest.
August 2022: UPI payments become generally available
In August 2022, UPI payments via WhatsApp became available to all users in India.
August 2022: JioMart Integration in India
In August 2022, WhatsApp launched an integration with JioMart in India, allowing users to order groceries through the app.
September 1, 2022: Meta ends Novi project
Meta, formerly Facebook, ended their Novi project on September 1, 2022.
September 2022: WhatsApp Addresses Critical Security Flaw in Android Video Call Feature
A significant security vulnerability in WhatsApp's Android video call feature was discovered and addressed in September 2022. This integer overflow bug could allow attackers to take complete control of a victim's application during a video call. WhatsApp promptly patched the issue upon its official reporting.
September 2022: Iran's WhatsApp Block Remains Until Meta Responds
As of September 2022, Iran's block on WhatsApp remains in effect, with authorities demanding a response from Meta.
2022: Boldend's WhatsApp Hacking Tools and Thiel's Involvement Revealed
In 2022, news broke about Boldend, a startup with ties to Peter Thiel, having developed tools to bypass WhatsApp's encryption. This revelation raised concerns about data privacy and potential vulnerabilities exploited by third parties.
2022: Head of WhatsApp acknowledges demand for iPad app
In 2022, Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, publicly acknowledged the demand for an iPad version of the app.
April 2023: WhatsApp Introduces Multi-Device Access with Companion Mode
In April 2023, WhatsApp launched Companion mode, enabling users to link their account to multiple phones (up to five Android or four iPhones) while maintaining end-to-end encryption.
May 2023: UK Government's Use of WhatsApp for COVID-19 Decision-Making Poses Challenges for Pandemic Inquiry
In May 2023, the UK government's extensive use of WhatsApp for COVID-19 pandemic decision-making, including on personal devices, created obstacles for the official inquiry tasked with investigating the handling of the crisis. Attempts to recover messages were hampered by a security breach on former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's personal device and the Cabinet Office's selective disclosure of information. The High Court ultimately ruled that all requested documents should be handed over to the inquiry without redactions.
May 2023: WhatsApp Adds Message Editing and Voice Status Updates
May 2023 saw WhatsApp introduce message editing with a 15-minute window and a "edited" tag, and a feature to share voice notes as status updates.
June 2023: WhatsApp Launches Channels for Broadcast Messaging
WhatsApp Channels, a feature for one-way broadcasts launched in June 2023, started in select countries and expanded globally in September 2023, offering a newsletter-like communication tool.
July 2023: WhatsApp Adds Video Messages Feature
WhatsApp added the option to send short, 60-second video messages directly within chats in July 2023, offering a convenient alternative to sharing from the gallery.
September 2023: WhatsApp Channels Goes Global
After launching in June, WhatsApp Channels became widely available to users globally in September 2023.
September 2023: Beta version for iPad released
In September 2023, WhatsApp released a beta version of their application for iPad users.
October 2023: WhatsApp Introduces Multi-Account Login, Passkey Support, and Text Formatting
October 2023 brought multi-account login for switching accounts within the app, passkey support for biometric login, and new text formatting options like code blocks and lists to WhatsApp.
November 2023: WhatsApp Launches Large Group Voice Chat, Email Login, and Secret Code Feature
In November 2023, WhatsApp introduced voice chat for groups larger than 32 people, enabled login using email instead of SMS, and added a 'Secret Code' feature for hiding locked chats.
December 2023: WhatsApp Expands 'View Once' to Voice Messages
In December 2023, WhatsApp extended its 'View Once' feature, originally for disappearing photos and videos, to include voice messages, enhancing user privacy.
2023: Native apps replace Electron-based apps
In 2023, WhatsApp updated their desktop application, replacing the existing Electron-based apps with native versions for Windows and MacOS.
2023: Widespread WhatsApp Use by UK Government Raises Transparency Concerns
As of 2023, the use of WhatsApp by government institutions in the UK became widespread, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. This practice has been deemed problematic due to its potential to hinder public access to government records through freedom of information requests, impacting journalists and citizens alike.
March 2024: Third-Party Messaging Interoperability
In March 2024, Meta announced that WhatsApp would enable interoperability with third-party messaging services, complying with the EU's Digital Markets Act.
April 3, 2024: Meta Outage Disrupts WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram
On April 3, 2024, a significant outage at Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, resulted in temporary disruptions across all three platforms.
April 2024: WhatsApp Launches AI-Powered 'Smart Assistant'
April 2024 marked the widespread release of WhatsApp's AI-powered 'Smart Assistant,' based on the LLaMa 3 model, enabling users to ask questions, generate images, and more.
April 19, 2024: Apple Removes WhatsApp from App Store in China
On April 19, 2024, Apple removed WhatsApp from its App Store in China, citing government orders related to national security concerns.