Elon Musk cautions about Meta’s WhatsApp data practices amid ad targeting claims
A prominent American entrepreneur has raised concerns about the data practices of the WhatsApp messaging service owned by Meta. The warning arrived after a widely followed tech figure observed that advertisements on the platform appeared to reflect topics discussed within users’ chats. In a recent response to a social media user, the business leader emphasized the potential risks to personal information when messaging apps include targeted advertising based on conversations. This position adds to ongoing debates about privacy, data usage, and the boundary between free communication and commercial surveillance. Citation: Elon Musk.
The discourse comes at a time when WhatsApp has been expanding features and experimenting with artificial intelligence driven capabilities. One notable beta rollout for Android introduces a new Meta AI feature that can generate avatars. The process involves users uploading a set of photographs, after which the app can automatically adjust visual elements such as backgrounds to produce a personalized avatar. This kind of tool is part of a broader push by Meta to integrate AI-assisted personalization into its messaging ecosystem while continuing to offer familiar, user-friendly communication tools. Citation: Meta AI avatars.
WhatsApp remains a dominant force in global instant messaging with a user base that surpasses two billion monthly active users. The platform is owned by Meta, the American technology company known for its social networking and digital services. The size of WhatsApp’s audience underscores the platform’s influence in everyday communication, commerce, and digital privacy conversations. Citation: WhatsApp user base.
Developments on WhatsApp for iPhone have also drawn attention, as users and observers watch for new features and enhancements aimed at improving privacy, security, and ease of use. The ongoing updates reflect a pattern of steady innovation within the app while keeping the core focus on reliable, private communication among individuals and groups. Citation: iPhone updates.
As the market for messaging apps continues to evolve, experts recommend users stay informed about how data is collected, stored, and potentially used for advertising. Transparency from platform providers, clear privacy settings, and robust controls remain central to maintaining trust in large, globally used services. For users in Canada and the United States, these considerations matter when choosing how to communicate, share information, and manage personal data across messaging platforms. Citation: user privacy guidance.