Brian Acton

Brian Acton is an American entrepreneur and computer programmer best known for co-founding WhatsApp, the popular messaging app.1

Early Life and Career:

  • Acton graduated from Stanford University with a degree in computer science.2
  • He worked at Yahoo! for nearly a decade, where he met Jan Koum, his future WhatsApp co-founder.3

Founding WhatsApp:

  • In 2009, Acton and Koum founded WhatsApp.4
  • The app initially focused on displaying user statuses, but quickly evolved into a messaging platform.5
  • Acton played a key role in developing WhatsApp’s core features and guiding its early growth.

Facebook Acquisition:

  • In 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for a staggering $19 billion, making it the largest acquisition in Facebook’s history.6
  • Acton continued to work at WhatsApp after the acquisition.

Departure from WhatsApp and Signal:

  • In 2017, Acton left WhatsApp, reportedly due to disagreements with Facebook over privacy and data collection practices.7
  • He subsequently co-founded the Signal Foundation, a non-profit organization that develops and supports Signal, a privacy-focused messaging app.8

Philanthropy:

  • Acton is a prominent philanthropist, donating significant funds to support various causes, including privacy and civil liberties.9

Legacy:

  • Brian Acton is a successful entrepreneur who has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of mobile communication.10
  • His work on WhatsApp has connected billions of people worldwide, and his support for Signal underscores his commitment to user privacy and data security.11

Disclaimer: This is a general overview of Brian Acton’s life and career.

This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered an endorsement of any particular individual or company.

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