A message is being circulated online claiming that people will now have to pay to open WhatsApp as they have ended the free version of the App. The message also claims to be attributed to CEO of WhatsApp, ‘Jim Balsamic’.
Here’s the link to the above post.
FACT CHECK
NewsMobile fact-checked the post and found it to be baseless and false.
We ran a keyword search and found that different versions of the same claim have been in circulation since 2012 and has been debunked by many media organisations over the years.
Moreover, in a blog, WhatsApp also clarified that the message in circulation is a HOAX.
The message started circulation in the wake of the recent privacy policies introduced by the instant messaging platform, which triggered a huge flow of misinformation regarding the messaging tool on social media.
WhatsApp also took to Twitter and clarified that their latest policy change does not affect the privacy of messages with friends and family.
We want to address some rumors and be 100% clear we continue to protect your private messages with end-to-end encryption. pic.twitter.com/6qDnzQ98MP
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 12, 2021
NewsMobile has also carried a detailed report ‘WhatsApp Clarifies On Privacy Update, Says No Effect On Chats With Friends & Family‘ on WhatsApp stand vis-a-vis the privacy policy update.
Hence, from the above information, it is clear that the message in circulation is false.
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