Analysis | Facebook and its family of apps want to be a mega digital bazaar

Facebook is betting on its e-commerce ambition against the backdrop of a moving privacy policy deadline and a Marketplace service under probe. Nevertheless, it is moving in the direction of infusing commerce into the world of social media.

(Subscribe to our Today's Cache newsletter for a quick snapshot of top 5 tech stories. Click to subscribe for free.) Most of us know Facebook and its family of apps as platforms that let people stay connected with friends and family. That idea may soon change as the largest social network is throwing brands and products into the mix, and says it means business. To get a sense on the company’s next phase of growth, look no further than its that makes a strong pitch for businesses and consumers to coalesce on Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. The California-headquartered company is planning to set up its platforms for brands to interact with consumers by making messaging the key for businesses and people to engage “using the same familiar apps and features used to communicate with family and friends”.