Overview

• Meta has begun rolling out ads in the Updates tab’s Status and Channels features, keeping personal chats and calls ad-free and end-to-end encrypted.
• Channel operators can charge monthly fees for exclusive content, with WhatsApp taking a 10% commission on subscription revenue.
• Ad targeting will use limited metadata—such as country, city, language and followed channels—with Meta pledging not to sell phone numbers or access message content.
• The Updates tab reaches about 1.5 billion daily users, offering businesses and creators new ways to engage without interrupting direct messaging.
• Privacy experts and some users warn that even minimal data-driven ad targeting can pose risks despite Meta’s assurances of encryption.