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WhatsApp introduces ads in its app

(www.nytimes.com)
713 points greenburger | 2 comments | 16 Jun 25 13:38 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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findthebug ◴[17 Jun 25 05:09 UTC] No.44295926[source]▶
install signal, donate €2.99, done. don't understand so many still stick to this messanger.
replies(2): >>44296119 #>>44296707 #
dguest ◴[17 Jun 25 07:57 UTC] No.44296707[source]▶
In a lot of developing countries WhatsApp doesn't count against your data plan. Signal data is billed like any other app. It's not easy asking all your friends to pay for something they already get "for free".
replies(1): >>44297367 #
1. uncircle ◴[17 Jun 25 09:56 UTC] No.44297367[source]▶
Ripe for antitrust litigation. Reminds me of Microsoft bundling Internet Explorer. Unfortunately, developing countries have bigger things on their plate than going against Meta, especially since I figure the “bribes” and promise to improve the nation’s internet infrastructure are very substantial.
replies(1): >>44298534 #
2. dguest ◴[17 Jun 25 12:52 UTC] No.44298534[source]▶
The issue is being framed very differently from IE and MS though. You have, to paraphrase:

> Internet.org [1] is providing free internet to millions of people who didn't have it 5 years ago.

vs

> Free WhatsApp is harming market efficiency.

I'm guessing a lot of people are reluctant to spend a lot of effort on the later point.

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet.org