This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
Facebook's move to add its name to WhatsApp and Instagram has been in the works for a while. Earlier this year, The Information was the first to report on the news, and Facebook confirmed it later. According to a Facebook spokesperson, "We want to be clearer about the products and services that are part of Facebook."
WhatsApp Gets New 'WhatsApp from Facebook' Tag ¶
As of the latest beta update, WhatsApp now includes the 'WhatsApp from Facebook' tag under Settings. This move comes as Facebook faces scrutiny from regulators around the world for more transparency over data privacy practices and how or who it shares user information with.
Facebook's Acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram ¶
Facebook purchased Instagram back in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. Each platform is now used by more than 1 billion people. Instagram has become a significant contributor to Facebook's revenue, especially considering it has largely stayed out of its parent's privacy scandals.
Recent Updates to WhatsApp ¶
Just a week ago, Facebook started adding its name to some screens on Instagram. Additionally, WhatsApp has rolled out a feature called 'Fingerprint lock' for its Android beta users, allowing people to use fingerprint to open WhatsApp. However, users will still be able to answer calls even when WhatsApp is locked.
