Interoperability
Meta opens WhatsApp and Messenger to third-party chats. Users will soon be able to receive and send messages from other communication services.
Meta Platforms, the company behind Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has announced that WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger will soon be able to receive and send messages from third-party services. This innovation is a response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which will come into force in March 2024 and will force major tech companies to interoperate.
Interoperability as a key feature
The new features allow users in the EU to receive and send messages from third-party apps such as Telegram or Signal directly in WhatsApp and Messenger. This interoperability is intended to ensure that users no longer have to switch between different apps to communicate with their contacts.
Advanced features for third-party chats
Meta goes beyond the minimum requirements of the DMA and offers additional features such as reactions, direct replies and read receipts for third-party chats. These advanced features are intended to improve the user experience and increase chat convenience.
From 2025, users will also be able to create groups across different messenger services. From 2027, voice and video calls between different services will also be possible, Meta explains in a recent blog post.
Developing these features presents a significant technical challenge, particularly in terms of preserving user privacy and security. Meta emphasizes that the implementation of these features is done in close cooperation with third parties to ensure a safe and positive user experience.
Meta has not yet provided any details on when exactly WhatsApp will be opened up to third-party chats. However, users in the EU will be automatically notified as soon as the third-party chats are available.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about opening WhatsApp
What is the Digital Markets Act (DMA)?
The DMA is a European Union law that forces large tech companies to interoperate in order to promote competition and prevent monopolies.
What new features does Meta offer for WhatsApp and Messenger?
Meta will soon offer the ability to receive and send messages from third-party apps, as well as advanced features like reactions, direct replies, and read receipts.
When will the new features be available?
The features will be available in the EU as soon as third-party apps have developed the necessary technology. Additional features such as groups and calls between different messengers will be available from 2025 and 2027 respectively.
Are the new features safe?
Yes, Meta says it works closely with third parties to ensure the security and privacy of users. High security standards such as Signal encryption are used.
Will the new features be available worldwide?
Currently, the new features are only planned for users in the EU.
