WhatsApp is set to introduce a groundbreaking feature that will allow users to message individuals on the platform from other third-party messaging apps, such as Telegram and Signal. This move is in compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires “gatekeeper” apps to enable interoperability with other messaging platforms. The new feature will be opt-in, meaning users can choose whether or not to participate in exchanging messages with third-party apps. Messages from other apps will be displayed in a separate section at the top of the user’s inbox, known as the “third-party chats” inbox. This development is a significant step towards breaking down the silos that exist between different messaging apps, providing users with a more integrated and seamless messaging experience.
The interoperability will initially focus on one-on-one chats, allowing the exchange of text, audio, video, images, and files across different apps. However, it’s important to note that WhatsApp chats and third-party app chats will not be able to mingle in one inbox; instead, if users opt-in to cross-app messaging, their third-party conversations will be placed into a separate section. This approach is designed to prevent potential spam and scams that could arise from the increased openness of the platform.
WhatsApp’s interoperability plan has been in the works for about two years, and the full details of the plan are expected to be published in March. The company has been working on a way for other messaging apps to integrate with its service, but implementing this feature is a complex task, especially for encrypted messaging apps that use their own configurations. Despite the challenges, WhatsApp is committed to making this interoperability a reality, and the upcoming feature is a significant step in that direction.
The move towards interoperability is not unique to WhatsApp, as Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is also working to add support for other chat apps to Messenger. This broader industry trend towards messaging interoperability has gained momentum, with the EU’s DMA mandating gatekeepers like WhatsApp and Messenger to open up their services to other chat apps. This push for interoperability is expected to have a significant impact on the messaging landscape, potentially leading to a more universal messaging experience across different platforms.
In conclusion, WhatsApp’s upcoming feature to allow messaging across third-party apps is a significant development that aligns with the EU’s regulatory requirements. By enabling interoperability with other messaging platforms, WhatsApp is taking a major step towards providing users with a more integrated and seamless messaging experience. This move is part of a broader industry trend towards messaging interoperability, and it has the potential to reshape the way users communicate across different messaging apps.