WhatsApp will soon show ads in 'status' section

Agencies

November 2, 2018

Nov 2: WhatsApp Wednesday said it will display advertisements in its ‘Status’ section to monetise the popular messaging platform that has about 1.5 billion users globally.

“…around monetisation plans for WhatsApp, we already announced that we are going to be putting ads in ‘Status’. So that is going to be a primary monetisation mode for the company as well as an opportunity for businesses to reach people on WhatsApp,” WhatsApp Vice President Chris Daniels said here.

He, however, did not provide a time frame for the rollout of this feature.

According to reports, the Facebook-owned company will shortly allow advertisers to display ads in its Status section. The ‘Status’ option allows users to share text, photos and short videos as their status, which disappear after 24 hours.

Facebook had acquired WhatsApp for USD 19 billion. The messaging platform, which competes with the likes of WeChat, Viber, Line and Hike, has over 250 million in India — a key market where it is battling concerns over fake messages on its platform.

Daniels is currently in India and met IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Wednesday in the backdrop of India’s demand for traceability of sinister messages that have incited incidents of violence.

After the meeting, Prasad said India is not seeking decryption of WhatsApp messages and its demand for traceability pertain to location and identity of those misusing the platform to spread fake news that provokes violence.

Prasad also asserted that the “institutional integrity” of the platform be maintained ahead of elections.

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Siddaramaiah's camp on alert as Karnataka Congress leadership rift escalates

News Network

November 27,2025

Bengaluru, Nov 27: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp is reportedly on alert as the Congress leadership tussle in the state intensifies, particularly amid speculation over the potential promotion of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah is said to be in a “wait-and-watch” mode after admitting to “confusion” earlier this week and urging the party to “put a full stop” to it.

Sources say his supporters are ready to act if senior leaders — including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi — give any indication of backing Shivakumar. If the party insists on a leadership change, Siddaramaiah’s camp has a list of alternatives, underscoring the deep rift between the two leaders. One possible candidate is Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a Siddaramaiah loyalist and influential Dalit leader.

The strategy was reportedly finalized at a meeting led by PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, another Siddaramaiah supporter, who stressed that Delhi leaders need to resolve the issue. Kharge and the Gandhis are expected to meet soon, after which Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar may be summoned to Delhi.

Shivakumar has largely stayed non-confrontational, publicly endorsing Siddaramaiah and downplaying speculation about his own ambitions. However, he has made pointed comments emphasizing the importance of honoring promises, directed at Siddaramaiah.

The feud traces back to the 2023 state election, when Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister while Shivakumar, who led the party’s campaign, was made Deputy CM and state party chief — a departure from the Congress’ usual “one post per person” rule.

There were also hints of a prior understanding that Siddaramaiah would step down midway through the term. As the halfway mark passed last week, Shivakumar-aligned lawmakers have ramped up pressure on the party for a leadership change, with Shivakumar himself hinting at stepping down as state party chief to pursue the top job.

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