Launched in 2009 and owned by Meta Platforms, WhatsApp is the leading communication and go-to messaging app in the world. Its user-friendly interface and robust communication tools have helped it gain over 2 billion users worldwide.
WhatsApp helps people stay connected through texts, video calls, voice calls and share multimedia like documents, images, videos etc. From encrypted chat features to professional business communication through WhatsApp Business, the app continues to shape how people communicate – both personally and professionally.
Services provided by WhatsApp
- End-To-End Encryption – The data remains secure between the recipient and sender, with no interception from third parties or even WhatsApp themselves.
- Media sharing and Storage – Shared media is encrypted and uploaded to cloud storage like AWS S3. A CDN distributes the media globally.
- Voice Calls and Video Calls – The calls use VoIP and WebRTC for real time peer to peer communication.
- Notifications – Push notifications through FCM and APNS alert users to new messages during inactivity of the app.
- Messaging System – The messaging system is based on a protocol derived from XMPP, which ensures that the messages are queued on the server until the recipient is online. The delivery status is indicated by single ticks – message sent, double ticks- message delivered and blue ticks – message read.
- Database Design – It uses SQLite for the storage of chat histories and contacts. For handling message volume and data synchronization, Server-sider is used and for storing user data and messages, Mnesia is used.
WhatsApp Privacy Policy
- Data Collection – Collects account info like phone numbers, profile name, photos, contacts, undelivered messages, media forwarding, status info, usage pattern, device details – model, battery level etc, IP address, cookies, transactions and payments and location if services are enabled.
- Data Sharing – Shares data with Meta companies, third party service providers, individuals and businesses with whom you contact.
- User Rights and Control – Access, manage and delete account info through in app settings; manage visibility of profile info, status and control group invitation; delete account at any time, removing info and undelivered messages from servers.
WhatsApp Features
- Two-Step-Verification – For security purposes, WhatsApp provides a two-step-verification that requires users to provide a six digit PIN for account verification.
- Messages Disappearance – Users can send messages that disappear after a certain period of time, usually ranging from 24 hours to 90 days.
- View Once – Individuals can send photos and videos with a view once option, that allows them to disappear after the message is opened.
- Status Check – It provides an option to users to decide who all can view their activity, giving them control over online and last seen status checks.
- Group Privacy settings – Users can control who can add them to groups, and the group admin can decide who can send messages within the group.
- Chat Lock and Archive – Gives users the option to lock specific chats with fingerprints, face IDs or password. They can even archive certain chats if they want to.
- Meta AI Integration – You can ask questions, generate images, and get instant answers directly in your chat.
- Media Sharing – Send photos, videos, documents, images, gifs, stickers, audio notes and your live location as well. You can even give commands to bold, italicize and underline texts.
Performance Review
- Speed – The message delivery and call connectivity is fast with minimal disruptions due to the low latency, ensuring good quality voice and video calls.
- Stability – It provides smoother updates and very rarely does it crash.
- User Interface – A simple, clean and user friendly interface for ease of communication.
- Cross Platform Availability – It is available for installation on platforms like Android, iOS, desktop and web, making it convenient for users to access it from anywhere.
- Data and Storage usage – Files, photos, videos, voice calls and audios can consume a significant amount of storage, whereas the data for texts is comparatively lighter. Users can however manage storage from settings.
- Backup and Restore – WhatsApp offers mainly two backup options that are Cloud backup – ios users use iCloud and android users use Google Drive; and Local backup – data is stored in devices internal storage. Users need to buy extra storage if storage gets full otherwise the backup may fail.
- Customer Support – Limited support only through FAQs and community forums.
- Security and Privacy – Messages and chats are encrypted , however users have raised concerns for privacy and security of data after the involvement of Meta.
Pros and Cons
| Advantages | Limitations |
| End-to-end encryption for security | Privacy concerns due to sharing data with Meta. |
| Multi platform compatibility | Heavy data consumption and limited storage |
| Ease of communication with free calls, messages, voice notes, group features etc. | No anonymity and offline access. |
| Good quality voice and video call with VoIP and WebRTC | Customer support limitations |
| Ad free experience ensures minimal disruption | Backup and restore problems, including data loss during data transfer |
How to get started with WhatsApp?
To get started on WhatsApp and roll into a digital world of communication, you can follow the simple steps given below:
- Download the App – You can easily download WhatsApp from google play or App store based on your device.
- Register your phone number – Open the app and agree to the terms, conditions and policy. Then add your phone number and country code.
- Verification – WhatsApp will send you a 6-digit code that you need to enter to verify your account. After that, your account will be verified.
- Set up your profile – You will then need to enter your name and optionally add a profile photo if interested. You can even write a small bio under the About section.
- Grant permission to access contacts – To connect and communicate with people, grant permission to WhatsApp to access your contacts.
- Start communicating – Now you can begin communicating with others through messages, videos, voice calls, audios, etc.
