Meta (FB) will soon be losing WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton to its rival Messaging app Signal (SIGL). Meta Platforms is the parent organization of Facebook, Instagram (FB), and WhatsApp. Signal, on the other hand, offers encrypted instant messaging services developed by the non-profit Signal Technology.
Acton founded WhatsApp in 2009 but parted ways in 2017 due to differences in the application of privacy towards customer data and targeted advertising. He later joined hands with the non-profit Signal Foundation to develop the Signal messaging app. Talk about treachery, eh.
Meta Platforms has also delayed its US office reopening date and now requires Covid-19 booster shots for all employees. In doing so, it has followed the likes of Google (GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), and Microsoft (MSFT). Soooo…. WhatsApp with Meta? Salty CEOs and happy employees.
Why it matters
Signal and other apps that prioritize privacy are a tough competition for Meta. Whistleblower and privacy advocate Edward Snowden has cheered for Signal, and Meta has more to rebrand than just its name.
