A PYMNTS Company

US: Facebook to rebrand Instagram, WhatsApp amid probe

 |  August 4, 2019

As antitrust scrutiny on Big Tech intensifies, one adjustment on the way from Facebook appears to be… rebranding. The Information reported that employees have been notified the company will add its name to Instagram and WhatsApp. The popular services will then be known as “Instagram from Facebook” and “WhatsApp from Facebook.”

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    Facebook confirmed the change, stating that “We want to be clearer about the products and services that are part of Facebook.” But if credit for backing popular services is what Facebook wants, it may have to live with some blame, after repeated privacy scandals and political handwringing over bias.

    Both Instagram and WhatsApp will display new “from Facebook” tags in the App Store, as well as on their respective login screens. This should make it much more apparent that both apps are owned by Facebook, with the apps now being branded as “Instagram from Facebook” and “WhatsApp from Facebook.” The change is rolling out now to users, Facebook stated.

    Even though Facebook acquired WhatsApp all the way back in 2014, a recent survey suggested that half of WhatsApp users weren’t aware that the app is owned by Facebook.

    Full Content: Eurasia Review

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.