News, coverage and analysis tracking WhatsApp across the outlets.
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Meta's new Muse Image model accepts Instagram accounts as a prompt
Meta has introduced its new AI model, Muse, which can utilize Instagram accounts as a prompt for image generation. This technology is also being integrated into effects for Instagram Stories and image creation within WhatsApp.
Evening Safety Dance
The US government is offering a $10 million reward for information regarding a group responsible for a hacking spree that targeted Signal and WhatsApp. This initiative aims to identify and apprehend those behind the widespread security breaches.
Morning Safety Dance
Meta has reported that over 20,000 Instagram accounts were compromised and stolen, with the assistance of an AI support bot. Additionally, NSO Group is reportedly being targeted by Meta again due to alleged targeting of WhatsApp users.
WhatsApp says spyware maker NSO Group is still targeting its users
Meta reports that NSO Group continues to target users of its messaging application, WhatsApp. This ongoing activity highlights persistent cybersecurity threats from the spyware maker.
Evening Metaverse
Meta has launched subscription services for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, with plans to introduce similar features for other platforms and integrate artificial intelligence. This move signals a new revenue stream strategy for the company's social media applications.
Meta rolls out subscription tiers for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp
Meta is introducing new subscription tiers for its platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. These subscription options aim to offer enhanced features or an ad-free experience for users willing to pay a recurring fee.
Meta is testing a WhatsApp Plus subscription that mostly focuses on cosmetic upgrades
Meta is testing a new subscription service called WhatsApp Plus for its messaging app, offering cosmetic upgrades like premium stickers and themes. While basic functions remain free, subscribers can also pin more chats and customize alerts. This move follows Meta's trial of a similar premium tier for Instagram.
WhatsApp adds a better, native interface for CarPlay
Meta has released an updated version of WhatsApp for CarPlay, featuring a significantly improved native interface. The new version offers direct access to contacts, recent chats, and call history, along with shortcut buttons for sending messages and making calls, moving beyond the previous Siri-dependent functionality.
Microsoft is building new '100% native' Windows programs to replace memory-hogging web apps
Microsoft is encouraging developers to build '100% native' Windows applications, moving away from memory-intensive web apps that utilize WebView content. This initiative aims to improve the performance and reduce the memory footprint of Windows, with former Microsoft operative Mikhail Parakhin's '20/20 project' also contributing to this goal.
Meta is killing end-to-end encryption in Instagram DMs
Meta is discontinuing end-to-end encryption support for Instagram Direct Messages after May 8, 2026, citing low user adoption. While WhatsApp offers default encryption, the feature on Instagram was opt-in and available only in select regions. The company's approach to encryption across its platforms, including Messenger, has evolved over time amidst debates about privacy and child safety.
Meta will let kids under 13 use WhatsApp with parent-managed accounts
Meta is introducing parent-managed accounts on WhatsApp, allowing children under 13 to use the messaging platform with enhanced safety controls. Parents can manage who messages their child and restrict access to certain features like Channels and Meta AI. This initiative is part of Meta's broader effort to expand parental controls across its platforms, following similar features introduced for Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram.
Dutch intelligence services warn of Russian hackers targeting Signal and WhatsApp
Dutch intelligence services have issued a warning about a global cyber campaign by Russian hackers targeting Signal and WhatsApp accounts of dignitaries, military personnel, and civil servants. The hackers are reportedly impersonating support chatbots to trick targets into revealing their PINs, enabling access to communications. This follows similar warnings in the US, highlighting the ongoing threat of phishing scams.