The messaging platform WhatsApp has today announced it has surpassed two billion active users.
The encrypted messaging service, founded in 2009, was bought by Facebook for 19 billion dollars in 2014 and has gone from strength to strength since.
By comparison, fellow messenging platforms can't compete. Facebook's Messenger has only been installed just over one billion times whilst fellow service Telegram can only brag of having a paltry 100 million Android installs.
In a blog post announcing the milestone, WhatsApp said it was committed to its encryption model and keeping user messages private.
"Private conversations that once were only possible face-to-face can now take place across great distances through instant chats and video calling," the firm said.
"There are so many significant and special moments that take place over WhatsApp and we are humbled and honoured to reach this milestone.
"We know that the more we connect, the more we have to protect. As we conduct more of our lives online, protecting our conversations is more important than ever."
Galaxy S20: Up close with Samsung's new flagship smartphone
Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg has previously said the social network's goal was to become more private and wants to introduce end-to-end encryption to more areas of its family of apps, which also includes Messenger and Instagram.
That stance has been criticised by some – including Home Secretary Priti Patel – who say increased, blanket encryption could prevent criminals, such child abusers and terrorists, from being caught.
But WhatsApp said it believes reducing encryption would be a greater threat to public safety.
"Strong encryption is a necessity in modern life. We will not compromise on security because that would make people less safe," the company said.
"For even more protection, we work with top security experts, employ industry-leading technology to stop misuse as well as provide controls and ways to report issues – without sacrificing privacy."
-
Galaxy S20 is here and it's not the only new phone to excite Samsung fans
Source: Read Full Article