WhatsApp has confirmed it's making a major change to its chat app, which will mean users across the globe will suddenly face seeing adverts on the screen. These are destined for a section called Updates, which sit in a tab at the bottom of the screen.

If you’re reading this and you live in the UK there;s a very high chance you use WhatsApp. Not only that, it’s likely one of your most used daily apps, and could well have full replaced your iPhone or Android phone’s default text messaging app.

Meta, which owns the popular messaging app, has sent reminders to Brits over how its latest updates could affect them

End-to-end encryption is still guaranteed, and Meta also said that if users only use the app to call or message their contacts, there will be “no change to [the] experience at all,” though for many, this promise simply isn’t enough.

‘We’ve seen this pattern before, with small updates that pave the way for much bigger changes. The introduction of ads could signal a wider shift away from private messaging toward monetised, monitored communication. European users should pay close attention – your messages may not stay as private as you think.’

The popular messaging app is about to get an upgrade and its owners, Meta, have urged all its users to check their phones now

Meta is finally bringing ads on WhatsApp, eleven years after the social media giant acquired the platform, whose founders avoided advertising.

WhatsApp enthusiasts in the UK are being urged to check out the latest update from the popular chat service. The Meta-owned app has just released a notification encouraging users to explore a host of new features designed to enhance their messaging experience.