Fact Check: Is WhatsApp going to charge its users for using premium features? No, the viral message is misleading.

Social media users are sharing a post claiming that WhatsApp will soon charge users for using premium features.

Update: 2022-10-18 06:37 GMT

Hyderabad: Social media users are sharing a post claiming that WhatsApp will soon charge users for using premium features.

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Fact Check:

The claim is misleading.

We searched the internet about the viral news using relevant keywords like 'WhatsApp premium features for users' and found many reports on it. The Quint report published on October 10, 2022, read that WhatsApp premium paid subscription service is for business users. It further reads that the currently optional premium business subscription plan has been rolled out for beta testers and users. It will be soon officially launched for business users.

We found a report by Beebom that explained what is WhatsApp premium and clarified that WhatsApp premium will not charge regular users with a subscription for using the app.

Furthermore, we found a report by wabetainfo.com, an independent website that reports on WhatsApp news, updates, and new features. According to the report, "Latest versions of WhatsApp Business beta for Android and iOS are marked as compatible updates."

The subscription fee may differ depending on the country. This premium feature allows business users to create personalised WhatsApp business links and multi-device (up to 10) connectivity from a single account at the same time.

https://wabetainfo.com/whatsapp-is-releasing-an-optional-subscription-plan-for-businesses-whatsapp-premium/

Multiple mainstream media have reported the same.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/whatsapp-tests-paid-subscription-service-for-business-users-3416647

https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/digital/whatsapp-rolls-out-premium-plan-for-business-accounts/94758636?utm_source=twitter_web&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialsharebuttons

We also found that similar claims have been circulating saying that WhatsApp will charge its users for sharing messages.

We searched the WhatsApp website and found that WhatsApp did not announce any such new policy that charges users for sending messages.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1062689177481657/permalink/1160357434381497/

The claim is misleading. WhatsApp Premium is an optional subscription plan available for selected beta users of the 'WhatsApp Business' app.

Claim :  WhatsApp will soon charge its users for using premium features
Claimed By :  Social Media Users
Fact Check :  Misleading
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