Instagram and WhatsApp to add ‘from Facebook’ to their names
Fresh off the back of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation and an incoming Department of Justice (DOJ) review, Facebook has confirmed it will add ‘from Facebook’ to the names of its other prominent apps, Instagram and WhatsApp.
The change, first reported by The Information, is to ensure consumers are clear on the ownership of the products, according to a Facebook spokesperson.
“We want to be clearer about the products and services that are part of Facebook,” a spokesperson for the social media giant confirmed with Mumbrella.
The change is in line with some of the other products owned by Facebook, including Workplace, Oculus and Portal, and comes off the back of a US$5bn fine for the company’s part in the Cambridge Analytica data scandal.
The new addition to the titles will appear in the app stores and also on splash screens for both apps, while the in-app homepage is thought to be staying the same for the time being.
The change also comes as Facebook faces further scrutiny in the Australian market following the ACCC Digital Platforms Inquiry, which made it clear that the platform, alongside Google, has a monopoly in the digital space.
Less than a year ago, Instagram founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger exited the business after six years at the helm post-Facebook’s acquisition. The move seemed to be a surprising one to the wider business, with both Systrom and Krieger seeming happy in their roles. In October 2018 Adam Mosseri was appointed as the new CEO, moving from his role as vice president of product at Facebook.
