India, Feb. 3 -- WhatsApp, one of the most widely used messaging platforms, may be preparing to introduce a paid option for regular users. The service first launched in 2009 and initially followed a paid access model. In 2016, WhatsApp removed that charge to expand its user base. Since then, the app has remained free for personal use, while offering subscription-based tools through its business-focused version. Recent reports now suggest that WhatsApp could apply a similar approach to its main app by rolling out a premium tier.

According to a recent report by WaBetaInfo, the company is testing a paid plan within the standard WhatsApp application. This plan could offer features aimed at users who want more control over how the app looks a...