Overview

• WhatsApp has begun displaying ads in its Updates tab worldwide, marking its first consumer-facing ad integration and ending its long-standing ad-free commitment
• Meta says the ads will be targeted using only basic profile details such as city, language and followed channels while message content, calls and group data remain private
• Businesses can now offer paid subscriptions to channel followers, as well as launch sponsored content in status-style Updates posts
• Meta will collect at least a 10% commission on business transactions conducted through the app under the new monetization scheme
• Privacy advocates and some users have criticized the change, with discussions underway about switching to alternatives like Signal and Telegram