According to the New York Times, Facebook intends to consolidate its messaging services, WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger.
This means that a WhatsApp user could start a chat with an Instagram user removing the communication barriers of Facebook’s three social platforms.
Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp will remain separate apps on your home screen but the common messaging features will be unified. So regardless of whether you have one or all the apps, you will be able to receive an encrypted message from someone on any three.
This is a significant change as Instagram and WhatsApp have been cultivated mainly independently of the Facebook giant. According to 9TO5Mac some employees at Instagram and WhatsApp are not happy with Facebook’s change of plan, seemingly being pushed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
The New York Times reports that to allay employees worries Zuckerberg, "held a meeting with WhatsApp employees...On Dec. 7, employees gathered around microphones at WhatsApp’s offices to ask Mr. Zuckerberg why he was so invested in merging the services. Some said his answers were vague and meandering. Several WhatsApp employees have left or plan to leave because of Mr. Zuckerberg’s plans, the people said."
WhatsApp employees are said to upset by the move. Unlike Facebook, people can remain anonymous on Instagram and WhatsApp. This remains a challenge for integration without compromising the values of anonymity that WhatsApp and Instagram champion.
The New York Times reports that development is pushing ahead with a launch pencilled in for 2020. Facebook appeared to confirm the move in a statement via the paper.
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