 Are you using WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or Snapchat? If so, you're among the 2.5 billion people around the world that use messaging apps. This figure is expected to grow to 3.6 billion by 2018. That's almost half of the world's population. Messaging apps are quickly becoming the main form of communication for many around the world. They're also being used by people affected by natural disasters and armed conflicts. In these situations of uncertainty, safe and trusted communication can make a real difference as information can save lives. Messaging apps have great potential to make a positive impact here. But messaging apps also introduce risks around security, data protection and privacy. Humanitarian organisations need to develop responsible, effective ways to use messaging apps in order to meet people's needs. Find out more in our report on the humanitarian futures for messaging apps.