WEB DESK: WhatsApp is looking to find a new revenue stream that will allow the app to be ad-free. Meta-owned messaging platform is also rumored to be experimenting with a subscription that is priced at approximately EUR4 a month, which is found within code in Android beta version 2.26.3.9.
WhatsApp Beta Info shared screenshots indicating that the feature is ready to be used by those in Europe and the U.K, but nothing has been confirmed about the pricing and launch dates by Meta. As it stands, the ads can only be found in the Updates tab where the user looks at statuses and channels. Video calls, voice calls and private chats are not subject to adverts.
The various benefits would be the ability to have the Updates tab with no advertising or sponsored content and maintain the same core WhatsApp functions to both free and paid users. Last year, Meta started this type of ads in the U.S. and expanded to other parts slowly. The company noted that the advertisers never used any personal messages or call but used such factors as language, location, and activity on the Updates tab.
The voluntary subscription is also compliant with the European and U.K. laws, which state that platforms must have ad-based and paid options. The payments would be completed using the in-app purchase system of Google Play and it would take approximately 15 minutes to complete. It has not yet been announced and the rollout will require regulatory approval.
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