WhatsApp - cross-platform messaging application

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WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging application founded in 2009 by Jan Koum and Brian Acton. It allows users to send text messages, voice messages, images, videos, documents, and make voice and video calls over the internet. Initially, WhatsApp operated as a paid service, but in 2014, Facebook Inc. acquired it for approximately $19 billion, after which it became free.

WhatsApp functions by using users' phone numbers, syncing automatically with the phone's contact list to identify other users of the app. It uses internet connections, either through Wi-Fi or mobile data, for all forms of communication, bypassing traditional SMS or voice call services. The platform supports both individual and group chats, with group administrators having the ability to control group settings and participants.

In 2016, WhatsApp introduced end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the sender and the recipient of a message can access its contents. This encryption applies to all forms of communication, including text messages, voice and video calls, and file sharing. The encryption protocol was developed by Open Whisper Systems.

The app has continued to expand its functionality. WhatsApp Web, introduced in 2015, enables users to access their accounts through a web browser, syncing with their mobile device. In 2018, WhatsApp introduced WhatsApp Business, a version tailored to small and medium-sized businesses, offering features such as automated messaging, business profiles, and product catalogs. Larger enterprises use WhatsApp Business API for customer communication and support.

In 2017, WhatsApp added the Status feature, allowing users to post updates, including photos, videos, and text, which disappear after 24 hours. WhatsApp supports both individual and group voice and video calls, with up to eight participants in a single call. Multimedia features include voice notes, GIFs, and real-time location sharing.

By 2023, WhatsApp had more than 2 billion active users across over 180 countries. The application is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS and is used for both personal and professional communication. The app supports multiple languages and is widely adopted due to its ease of use and free services that work solely over the internet.

WhatsApp is a part of Meta Platforms Inc., previously known as Facebook Inc. The app has also expanded its features to include digital payment options in certain regions, allowing users to send and receive money securely within the platform.