WhatsApp

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Who

Jan Koum, a Ukrainian-born Jewish immigrant to the United States, with co-founder Brian Acton

When

2009

Where

Santa Clara, California, United States

WhatsApp is a messaging app now used by billions of people worldwide for text, voice and calls. It was created in 2009 by Jan Koum, who emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S. as a teenager in a Jewish family, together with Brian Acton. Koum has spoken about his family's Jewish immigrant background shaping his belief in private, low-cost communication.

Part of “The Gifts of the Jews” — verified Jewish contributions to the world, with sources.