A recent article by TechCrunch suggested that the ultra-popular instant messaging application, WhatsApp, may soon be acquired by Facebook. However, WhatsApp has dished out a statement, denying that any such developments are happening.
The said article spread virally across the social media, and soon the entire web was abuzz with speculations as to whether or not Facebook will acquire WhatsApp. Many said that it would make perfect sense for the social network, given the fact that WhatsApp is one of the most used apps across all mobile platforms.
However, we can’t look away from the fact that WhatsApp has been very keen to stay independent since its inception. In the past, a number of tech giants have taken their shot at acquiring the company and they have failed.
In this case, Facebook may not even be considering the acquisition. A statement from the social network reads, “We don’t comment on rumors or speculation.” WhatsApp, on the other hand, was clearer in its message, “The TechCrunch article is a rumor and not factually accurate. We have no further information to share at the moment.”
What is also significant to note here is that WhatsApp team has been particularly averse to the notion of advertising using its application. Koum, one of the two co-founders of WhatsApp, wrote on his blog, “Advertising isn’t just the disruption of aesthetics, the insults to your intelligence and the interruption of your train of thought.” And if it still holds faithful to that notion, Facebook may have a little use for it, since the primary revenue stream for Facebook is its advertisements.
Courtesy: All Things D
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