Since its acquisition by Meta (formerly Facebook) in 2014, WhatsApp has been integrated into Meta’s broader ecosystem. This includes data-sharing practices that improve ad targeting and user analytics on Meta’s platforms, which has attracted a lot of attention. WhatsApp founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton initially opposed this integration, advocating for strict user privacy and data encryption. However, in 2017 and 2018, both parties left the company over disagreements over the extent to which data could be shared and monetized, a sign that Meta was gaining more influence over WhatsApp's operations.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has consistently emphasized its commitment to ensuring the privacy armenia mobile phone number list and security of WhatsApp users while improving the platform’s features and services. While WhatsApp retains its branding and user base distinction from Facebook and Instagram, Meta retains significant control over its strategic decisions. Contents Top WhatsApp individual shareholders Mark Zuckerberg Owned by Meta (formerly Facebook) Meta-ecosystem: WhatsApp integration Meta-influence on WhatsApp's operations and leadership WhatsApp's Place in Meta-Monetization Strategies How much is WhatsApp worth? Conclusion Top WhatsApp individual shareholdersMark Zuckerberg .
Metaplatforms (formerly Facebook) acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014, transferring ownership of WhatsApp to Meta. This acquisition made WhatsApp a subsidiary of Meta rather than directly owned by Mark Zuckerberg. While Zuckerberg did not personally acquire WhatsApp, his substantial role as CEO and co-founder of Meta gives him significant influence over the company and its subsidiaries, including WhatsApp. As a major shareholder in Meta, Zuckerberg owns approximately 343.