Facebook is set to give all advertisers the option of sending Facebook Messenger users sponsored messages.
Soon, if you've used Facebook's standalone messaging app to communicate with a company or comment on a thread, any brands linked to either activity will have the opportunity to target you with advertising messages.
Though Sponsored Messages are not a new feature, until now, they have been the preserve of a select few organizations that have been testing the waters. However, at the Web Summit on Tuesday, the world's biggest social network confirmed that the platform behind the service is being opened to potentially all advertisers as a way of reaching consumers.
Facebook has also pledged to put controls in place to stop potential inbox spam.
Firms won't be able to "cold call," there will have to be an existing link between a brand or product and a Facebook Messenger user. The service could take months to roll out.
