It's a Meta product so the only surprise regarding this would be if you were surprised that it happened.

WhatsApp used to cost money until then Facebook bought it.

But a symbolic amount Like $1/lifetime

I fucking hate it now. Used to be good. Now every single shit is on sending me their promotions on there.

If you use it, use the web-app version whenever possible, the experience will be shittier but at least its not a executable application that can run arbitrary code on your device without your knowledge.

Was more like 3-4 bucks/year

I deleted it and switched to Signal some time ago. Zero regrets

Not in Europe.

It was paid first in the netherlands.

It wasnt free for me until I got my Lumia. Paying eventually became optional a few years before the takeover.

If I could just get other people to switch to it.

You simply set an away message and stop using it.

In many countries including mine, it is such a fundamental form of communications that this amounts to becoming a hermit. I have two choices: either keep using WhatsApp, or:

• cut contact with almost my entire family (yes, I tried to get them to switch, no bueno)
• lose access to the best support communication option for most businesses
• miss updates and communications for groups (work, school, classes, etc.), including things like cancelled or rescheduled events
• make it harder for me to meet new people
• miss messages from delivery guys
• etc...

It gives me no pleasure to say this. Not using WhatsApp is not an option. I tried it for a time, when I was at my worst mental state. It didn't work out.

I still don't give WhatsApp phone permissions, which causes it to refuse to connect voice/video calls (even though it clearly doesn't need this permission). Even this sometimes causes some annoyance, as people try to call me via WhatsApp and I can't answer. I have to copy their number and call them normally. Small price to pay, I guess.

Same here but I’m surprised how many people would switch without too much fuss. Got my parents/sister, friends and a lot of work colleagues on signal. If they are not there than backup to whatsfuckingapp.
So just keep trying i’m trying to say :)

I'm surprised how many people vehemently refuse to switch and think I'm being insane. It's a cultural thing I guess.

Dude I'm from Europe so I know what I'm talking about. I used to renew whatsapp for people and was NOT 1/lifetime

This was price long time ago

I saw that too.
Paying more for the ability to pin more than 3 chats lmao fuck off.

now it has just become easier

I was using it for years with family. we did not pay anything for it

Then was different in different regions?? For us, it was like this for years