WhatsApp to make money

FACEBOOK is laying the groundwork for the free messaging service WhatsApp to begin making money, allowing businesses to message its more than 1 billion users. It is the first step toward monetising the platform since Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg agreed to pay $19 billion (R268.9bn) for the popular app in 2014. WhatsApp announced a change to its privacy policy yesterday that allows businesses to communicate with users. The messages could include appointment reminders, delivery and shipping notifications or marketing material, the company said in its revised terms of service. WhatsApp also reiterated its commitment to encryption. “Our belief in the value of private communications is unshakeable,” the company said. – Bloomberg

UK