WhatsApp users will be able to send and receive messages from other apps

Meta has just announced that the interoperability of WhatsApp with third-party messaging services is just around the corner. Very soon, users of this platform will be able to chat securely with people who use other applications, while maintaining end-to-end encryption.

This significant update is part of the changes that Meta has needed to implement in order to comply with the DMA (Digital Markets Act), a regulatory framework aiming to govern the digital space and ensure fair competition, which took effect on March 6, 2024. At that time, Meta committed to developing interoperability in both WhatsApp and Messenger and, in the months that followed, continued to provide updates on its progress.

Now, it has come to light that this option will arrive on WhatsApp in Europe within the coming months, and that the first third-party services with which users will be able to send and receive messages are BirdyChat and Haiket.

How interoperability will work in WhatsApp

The technology giant has explained that, in the coming months, WhatsApp users in Europe will begin to see a notification in the “Settings” tab. By clicking on it, a description of how to activate interoperability will appear, allowing them to connect with individuals who use third-party applications. This is an optional setting and may be enabled or disabled at any time.

“WhatsApp users in Europe who have enabled this feature on Android and iOS will be able to share messages, images, voice messages, videos, and files. The option to create groups with other users will become available once our partners are prepared to offer this functionality,” Meta explains.

Although the first partners for WhatsApp to implement interoperability are BirdyChat and Haiket, Meta has confirmed that it will continue to add eligible services and remain in collaboration with the European Commission to adhere to the DMA.

The company has stated that the development of this new feature in its messaging service has been carried out with a focus on the following aspects:

• Available for European users: Third-party chats on WhatsApp will be available in all territories governed by the DMA.
• Clear and straightforward experience: An onboarding process has been designed to be simple, ensuring that users understand the primary differences between WhatsApp chats and third-party chats.
• Protection of user security and privacy: To comply with the DMA’s requirements, third-party messaging applications must use the same level of end-to-end encryption as WhatsApp. However, in its Frequently Asked Questions page, WhatsApp specifies that third-party apps are governed by their own policies and may, therefore, manage your data differently from Meta.

Meta has assured that it will continue to provide updates regarding its progress in this area, as well as announce new features or partners that are added to its interoperability offering.

Photo: Nano Banana – Gemini