WhatsApp announces it now has 2 billion users globally

New Delhi: Facebook owned messaging giant WhatsApp announced on Wednesday that it now has two billion users globally.

Reiterating its stance on encryption in the global announcement, WhatsApp said strong encryption is a necessity in modern life and that it will not compromise on security because that would make people less safe. WhatsApp did not share market wise statistics and the number of users it now has in India.

"Private conversations that once were only possible face-to-face can now take place across great distances through instant chats and video calling. There are so many significant and special moments that take place over WhatsApp and we are humbled and honored to reach this milestone," the company said in a statement.


"We know that the more we connect, the more we have to protect. As we conduct more of our lives online, protecting our conversations is more important than ever," it added.

WhatsApp further said that strong encryption acts like an unbreakable digital lock that keeps the information users send over WhatsApp secure, helping protect them from hackers and criminals.

"Messages are only kept on your phone, and no one in between can read your messages or listen to your calls, not even us. Your private conversations stay between you.

For even more protection, we work with top security experts, employ industry leading technology to stop misuse as well as provide controls and ways to report issues — without sacrificing privacy," the company added and further stated that it remains as committed as when it started, to help connect the world privately.