While the app has long promised a privacy-first experience free from traditional ads, recent updates suggest that's changing, and changing fast.In a blog post published Monday, WhatsApp announced an expansion of its "Channels" discovery and business tools,

WhatsApp ads rollout begins globally with Status ads and paid channels. Meta ends 11-year ad-free messaging experience for 3 billion users worldwide.

Meta is rolling out advertising and paid features in WhatsApp’s Updates tab, marking a formal break from its long-standing 'no ads' stance.