Tell HN: WhatsApp is infested with ads now

7 points by square_usual 3y ago ↗ HN

We all knew it was going to happen, and like a frog being boiled it has happen. My (Indian) number registered on WhatsApp gets dozens of ads every month via its business chats features. What's worse is that even if you block one source of ads, they'll return with what seems like a different number. I've clicked on "STOP" on many chat threads only for a new thread to come up some time later. WhatsApp seems to not care that this technically violates their business policies; I've also reported several of these threads to no effect.

While some of this may not be true for other regions, given the uptake it's seeing in India I wouldn't be surprised if it spread elsewhere too. The worst part is, for many of us, we have no choice but to deal with it :')

4 comments

[ 4.5 ms ] story [ 20.4 ms ] thread

cheapliquor 3y ago ↗

More like WhatsAd amirite

revskill 3y ago ↗

All videos on facebook is also filled with unstoppable ads. Look like Meta is having financial issues.

31337Logic 3y ago ↗

Who the hell still uses WhatsUp? Or Facebook? Leave that toxic shit behind. There are better choices.

Try Signal, for starters. Pass it along.

yutijke 3y ago ↗

As of now, blocking the sender of the ad has worked out for my Indian number. No repeat attempts to shove crap down my throat.

One problem in ensuring doesn't become a problem or gets solved is that WhatsApp is incentivised to allow Business customers to spam us, as that is how they make money.

It is sad that a subscription based model for comms is not longer economically feasible.