The U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Thursday cleared a path for Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp to proceed, though it called on both companies to be mindful of their data collection policies.
In the wake of revelations exposed in classified National Security Agency documents leaked to reporters by Edward Snowden, Facebook must show its users that their data is safe from the prying eyes of government spies.
Microsoft's software is due for major changes in order to transition effectively into the era of Cloud computing and mobility, the company's co-founder Bill Gates says in a Rolling Stone interview.
As the world still reels over reports of U.S. government surveillance of privately owned smartphones, a spyware industry is growing that's focused on helping employers monitor the ways smartphones and tablets are used by their workers. Parents are also interested in the service to track their children's smartphone use.
Thanks to blockbuster acquisitions such as Facebook's $19 billion purchase of WhatsApp, successful IPOs and a healthy environment for startups, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive again in the Silicon Valley.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission should investigate Facebook's proposed US$19 billion acquisition of mobile messaging app WhatsApp -- and possibly block it -- because of the potential impact on users' privacy, two privacy groups said in a complaint filed Thursday.
Calling it an 'on-ramp to the Internet,' Mark Zuckerberg advocates for carriers and other gatekeepers to provide free basic services for all in his first-ever keynote at Mobile World Congress.
WhatsApp's voice calling service, planned for later this year to augment its hot text-message offering, could yield an influx of customers and strengthen the service's already firm standing in mobile messaging.
If Marc Zuckerberg has his way, Facebook will become the "on ramp" for the two-thirds of the world's population not yet connected to the Internet.
Facebook is concerned about losing mind share and apparently not concerned about owning complementary properties that may not ever be fully integrated or generate revenue for the foreseeable future. So why is this a good deal for Facebook?
It's easy to pick out the winners in the $19 billion Facebook-WhatsApp. Computerworld offers a Tip of the Hat to ReadWrite's Selena Larson for pointing out the deal's potential losers.
Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp may end up being just one milestone in a strong year for tech mergers and acquisitions.
WhatsApp users should switch to a more secure messaging service now that it is being bought by Facebook, a German data protection commissioner urged Thursday.
When's the last time you replied, promptly, to a message sent through Facebook? Aren't sure? Well Facebook, craving more real-time usage of its service, hopes to change that.
Facebook has agreed to buy mobile messaging app, WhatsApp, for $US16 billion in cash and stock, the social network said Wednesday.