Facebook launches WhatsApp digital payment service

WhatsApp has launched its digital payments service in Brazil as the messaging app capitalises on its popularity in emerging markets.

The move comes as parent company Facebook pushes ahead with plans to bring more e-commerce to its platforms.

WhatsApp Pay allows users to send money to one another for free or make purchases from small businesses.

In January, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg outlined plans to offer the service in India, Indonesia and Mexico.

On its blog WhatsApp highlighted that the launch was part of a wider digital payment strategy across all of Facebook’s platforms.