In brief
Meta-owned platforms WhatsApp and Instagram have resumed functionality following a significant global outage that disrupted services for users worldwide.
On Wednesday evening, numerous users reported difficulties accessing Meta's apps, with over 22,000 issues logged for Facebook and more than 18,000 for WhatsApp, based on data from Downdetector. Complaints came from regions including the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and the US. In a post on X, Meta acknowledged the concerns but assured users: "Thanks for bearing with us! We're 99% of the way there - just doing some last checks." The company has yet to confirm if all issues have been fully resolved.The problems began at around 18:00 GMT, leading to multiple functionalities being hindered. Users experienced challenges ranging from complete app inaccessibility to non-refreshing feeds. "We're aware of some issues accessing WhatsApp. We're actively working on a solution and starting to see a return to normal for most people," WhatsApp shared during the incident.As services resumed, both WhatsApp and Instagram took to X to announce their return, with messages of gratitude from their teams. "And we're back, happy chatting!" WhatsApp stated, while Instagram posted, "Andddd we're back - sorry for the wait, and thanks for bearing with us."Meta's suite of platforms remains among the most widely used globally, boasting over three billion active users. The latest outage echoes a significant service disruption from 2021 that lasted for nearly six hours and involved all major Meta applications, including Messenger.The quick resolution of this latest outage is a relief for many, as Meta continues to work towards ensuring stability in its services.
