Facebook completes $19 billion acquisition of WhatsApp

By Joseph Keller
published

WhatsApp
WhatsApp (Image credit: iMore)

Facebook has completed its $19 billion acquisition of WhatsApp. The deal was swiftly finalized following the approval by the European Union on Friday. WhatsApp co-founder and CEO Jan Koum will sit on the Facebook Board of Directors.

Facebook's acquisition of the messaging company was originally announced early this year. There were some initial concerns with the purchase, especially regarding user data and privacy. Government regulators in both the United States and Europe also questioned the effect this purchase would have on competition in the messaging space.

Will you continue to use WhatsApp now that it has officially been acquired? Sound off in the comments.

Source: SEC, via Engadget

Joseph Keller
Joseph Keller

Joseph Keller is the former Editor in Chief of iMore. An Apple user for almost 20 years, he spends his time learning the ins and outs of iOS and macOS, always finding ways of getting the most out of his iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.

3 Comments
  • When I got whatsapp I had to pay, now it is free. I won't use the FB app or FB messenger app on my iphone, I just use Safari on my iphone. Maybe, if you want to have any privacy whatsoever, use Threema. It's not free but it IS private and encrypted.
  • If what's app touches anything facebook on it, I'm off as I don't use facebook at all and I'd rather go somewhere else than have my whats app profile shown on facebook. I can't stand Facebook as it is a waste of time imho. Sent from the iMore App
  • I absolutely agree! FB is a waste of time. I don't have an account and won't! I hope that WhatsApp does not change for the worse. I use it daily.