facebook Facebook Expands Crisis Response Hub With WhatsApp Integration Facebook updates its Crisis Response tools to include WhatsApp messaging support and first-hand information sharing. The company also expands its Data for Good disaster maps to better assist local and federal relief agencies.
facebook pay Facebook Launches Cross-App Payment System to Rival Existing Services Facebook introduces Facebook Pay, a unified payment system that works across Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, and the main Facebook app. The feature launches first in the US on Facebook and Messenger.
whatsapp WhatsApp Sues Israeli Spyware Maker NSO Over Mass Phone Hacking WhatsApp files a federal lawsuit against NSO Group for allegedly developing malware that hacked 1,400 devices by exploiting an audio-calling vulnerability. The attack targets journalists and human rights defenders by infecting phones even when users do not answer the calls.
india India Moves to Regulate Social Media Platforms Amid Disruption Concerns India's government announces plans to revise intermediary rules by January 2020, citing threats to democracy and national security. The filing emerges amid a legal battle with Facebook over WhatsApp message traceability.
facebook Officials Demand Facebook Halt Encryption Expansion, Sparking Security Debate US and international officials urge Facebook to delay end-to-end encryption plans across its messaging platforms, citing law enforcement concerns. Critics warn that creating backdoors ultimately weakens digital security for all users.
meesho Meesho Secures $125M to Empower Millions of Indian Social Sellers Bangalore-based social commerce startup Meesho raises $125 million in a Series D round led by Naspers to expand its reseller network across India. The platform aims to onboard millions of new sellers, primarily empowering homemakers to build online businesses.
telegram Telegram Introduces Slow Mode and Silent Messages for Group Chats Telegram rolls out a new Slow Mode feature that restricts how often group members can send messages, aiming to make large conversations more orderly. The update also includes a silent sending option and arrives as other messaging platforms attempt to curb misinformation.
facebook Facebook Beats Earnings Expectations Amid Costly FTC Settlement Facebook reports stronger than expected second quarter earnings and revenue, even as it absorbs a $2 billion charge from a record $5 billion FTC privacy settlement. The tech giant sees continued advertising growth but warns that new compliance efforts impact product development.
facebook Facebook Agrees to Record $5 Billion FTC Settlement Over Privacy Violations Facebook faces a historic $5 billion penalty and strict new corporate oversight to settle FTC charges regarding user privacy deception. The record-breaking fine forces the social network to restructure its privacy practices across all its platforms.
facebook Facebook Exclusively Integrates Calibra Wallet Into Messenger and WhatsApp Facebook confirms it will only embed its own Calibra cryptocurrency wallet into its messaging apps, giving it a significant edge over competitors. Calibra's leader assures senators the wallet remains interoperable and compliant with US regulations.
facebook Facebook Unveils Libra Cryptocurrency and Calibra Digital Wallet Facebook introduces Libra, a new cryptocurrency governed by an independent association, alongside Calibra, a dedicated digital wallet for its messaging apps.
facebook Facebook Unveils Libra Cryptocurrency to Disrupt Global Payments Facebook introduces Libra, a low-fee digital currency backed by a coalition of major corporations, designed to make sending money and buying goods seamless. The project aims to boost financial inclusion while ultimately driving more commerce to Facebook's advertising business.
facebook Facebook Unveils Libra Cryptocurrency to Disrupt Global Payments Facebook introduces Libra, a stable cryptocurrency backed by a reserve fund, launching next year across its messaging platforms. The digital currency aims to simplify online payments and offer low-cost money transfers for unbanked populations.
whatsapp WhatsApp Voice Calls Exploited to Install Spyware Without User Action A sophisticated cyber actor infects mobile phones with spyware through missed WhatsApp voice calls, requiring no action from the user. WhatsApp quickly patches the vulnerability and urges all users to update their apps immediately.
facebook Global Outage Disrupts Facebook and Instagram Before Company Confirms Fix Millions of users worldwide experience widespread outages across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp before the social media giant resolves the technical issues. The company confirms the disruption is not the result of a cyberattack.