While WhatsApp is free, a major Google update may soon surprise millions with new charges to access certain conversations. Google is revising its terms, impacting how WhatsApp backups consume cloud storage.
Users get 15 GB of free storage from Google. Exceeding this limit will require monthly fees. Without payment, users must delete stored photos, videos, and WhatsApp messages.
These changes will affect some users next month. All Android WhatsApp enthusiasts will see updates next year. Google’s blog states: “Important notice: WhatsApp backups on Android will soon count towards your Google storage limit, similar to other mobile platforms.”
Starting with WhatsApp Beta users in December 2023, the change will gradually apply to all Android WhatsApp users. Google confirms that Android WhatsApp backups will function as long as there’s available Google account storage.
Once the storage limit is reached, users must free up space or pay for more. For example, 100 GB costs £1.59/month, 200 GB for £2.49/month, and 2 TB for £7.99/month. These plans are manageable via the Google One app.
WhatsApp, a popular messaging app, relies heavily on cloud backups for preserving chats and media. Google’s update reflects a growing trend where free services introduce costs as user data expands. This change will particularly affect those who regularly share media files, as these can quickly consume storage space. The move may prompt users to more actively manage their cloud storage or seek alternative backup solutions. As cloud storage becomes a more critical part of digital life, understanding and managing these resources is increasingly important for users worldwide.
WhatsApp, a widely popular messaging app, rapidly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and features that allowed free text messaging, voice calls, video calls, and media sharing, all utilizing internet connectivity rather than traditional cellular networks. This made WhatsApp particularly appealing in areas with high SMS charges. The app stands out for its emphasis on privacy and security, offering end-to-end encryption for messages since 2016. In 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for approximately $19 billion, marking one of the largest tech acquisitions at the time. Despite concerns over data privacy under Facebook’s ownership, now Meta Platforms Inc., WhatsApp has continued to grow, becoming one of the most widely used communication platforms globally, with a significant user base across diverse regions, including Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
