Back in 2012 WhatsApp published a blog post titled “Why we don’t sell ads”. The post stated that WhatsApp will never use you data to sell ads and it appeared that the app had an admirable business philosophy. “These days companies know literally everything about you, your friends, your interests; and they use it all to sell ads. Remember, when advertising is involved you the user are the product,” WhatsApp stated back then. And users had a reason to be impressed. Most apps come covered in ads tailored for every user and it can be unpleasant to use an application and you are attacked by advertisements. However, it appears that the good days are finally over for WhatsApp.

WhatsApp announces monetization ideas

In an ironic turn of events, the app that criticized companies that use your data in order to sell you things is about to allow companies to use you data. A recent blog post announced that WhatsApp will become available for business as well. This means that businesses will be able to use this application in order to promote their products.

While it can be easy to judge WhatsApp, we have to remember that Facebook acquired it. We already know that Facebook has been selling tailored ads for a while, so it comes as no surprise the fact that it tries to bring that to WhatsApp.

This decision will benefit small businesses

If we look for a silver lining, we can admit that this change may help small and medium sized business. After paying a small fee to Facebook, they will be able to stay in touch with their customers at all times. Verified businesses will also receive a green mark.

At first the ad model can be controlled by the user, but massive enterprise level advertising will soon follow.