WhatsApp co-founder quits Facebook after data privacy spat

WhatsApp, which was acquired by Facebook back in 2014 in a $19 billion settlement, has been the go-to platform for users when it comes to messaging. For several years the co-founder and former CEO Jan Koum has taken care of its branchild. But, now it seems that his time at WhatsApp is coming to an end. Koum has announced that he will soon be leaving the popular messaging platform.

Jan Koum took to his personal Facebook page to make the announcement. Here's what the post reads:

"It's been almost a decade since Brian and I started WhatsApp, and it's been an amazing journey with some of the best people. But it is time for me to move on. I've been blessed to work with such an incredibly small team and see how a crazy amount of focus can produce an app used by so many people all over the world.

I'm leaving at a time when people are using WhatsApp in more ways than I could have imagined. The team is stronger than ever and it'll continue to do amazing things. I'm taking some time off to do things I enjoy outside of technology, such as collecting rare air-cooled Porsches, working on my cars and playing ultimate frisbee. And I'll still be cheering WhatsApp on - just from the outside. Thanks to everyone who has made this journey possible."

Mark Zuckerberg responded to the statement with his own comment on the post:

"Jan: I will miss working so closely with you. I'm grateful for everything you've done to help connect the world, and for everything you've taught me, including about encryption and its ability to take power from centralized systems and put it back in people's hands. Those values will always be at the heart of WhatsApp."

According to The Washington Post, Koum's departure is related to a disagreement on the matter of usage of personal data and strategies that might affect the personal privacy which resulted in a "culture clash" among the founders. Besides, Koum is also stepping down as Facebook's board of directors, which comes as surprise. Well, what the future holds for Koum remains to be seen.