As European Commission regulations impose major changes, Meta is set to transform the experience of WhatsApp and Messenger users. These changes aim to establish more fluid communication between different platforms, marking a significant shift in the messaging world. This new environment promises enriched interactions for European users.
European Union forces Meta to change: here’s how WhatsApp and Messenger will be affected
Meta announces changes that will affect WhatsApp and Messenger to comply with European Union regulations
Meta has announced key details on how theInteroperability in WhatsApp and Messenger in Europe will work. This measure, driven by the European Union Digital Markets Act, aims to ensure secure and smooth communication between users of different platforms. Meta is required to comply with this regulation in order to operate within the EU.
Interoperability will allow WhatsApp and Messenger users to send messages to users who do not use these applications. Yes, the change is radical from the user’s point of view and, of course, Meta has had to break down several barriers that it had built over the years. Until now, it was unthinkable to think that this could become a reality, but the European Union has committed to defending users.
This approach is designed to deliver a unified experience, breaking down barriers between messaging platforms. However, Meta stresses that this feature will initially be available only to European users, in line with the region’s regulatory requirements. Let’s take a look at Meta’s plans as published on its official blog and everything that’s coming for both WhatsApp and Messenger.
Meta presents its roadmap for interoperability in WhatsApp and Messenger
Meta indicated that the upcoming process will not be instantaneous, interoperability will be a linear process spread over a set period of time. In fact, Meta has set the year 2027 as the year in which this process, which began on March 6, 2024, will end.. Yes, it is three years from 2024 and, while that may seem like a lot of time, Meta faces a huge challenge.
Meta’s plans begin on March 6, 2024the company’s announcement states thatit will be possible to send text messages between users of other applications. Although this is a rather weak start, it marks the start of the company’s efforts to comply with European Union regulations.
Interoperability in WhatsApp and Messenger / Image: Meta
The next change will come on September 6, 2025the company will allow users to send text messages in groups between different existing messaging apps. First the chats were opened, then it will be time for the groups and the next step will be the most radical of all.
September 6, 2027two years after the last change, the interoperability process will end. Meta indicated that from this date, It will be possible to send text messages, make calls and video conferences both in private conversations and in groups between different applications.
The changes are radical, although positive. However, interoperability only makes sense if other messaging apps adhere to this propositionThe reason why Telegram is not constrained is that the European Commission does not consider it a gatekeeper. However, this situation could change in the future.
