Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp and Messenger, has announced significant changes to its messaging platforms for users in the European Union. Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Meta is obligated to make WhatsApp and Messenger interoperable with other messaging apps. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming third-party chat feature:
Unified Inbox or Separate Chats
With the new update, WhatsApp and Messenger users in the EU will have the option to either combine their messages from third-party apps into a single inbox or keep them separate. This flexibility allows users to customize their messaging experience based on their preferences.
New Notifications and Onboarding
Meta has built new notifications into WhatsApp and Messenger to inform users about the availability of third-party chats. Users will receive notifications whenever a new messaging app becomes compatible with the feature. Additionally, there will be a simple onboarding process to help users understand how to use third-party chats and enable the feature if desired.
Rich Messaging Features
Meta has promised to offer a range of rich messaging features for third-party chats, including reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts. These features will enhance the overall messaging experience and make conversations more interactive.
Future Plans
Meta plans to roll out the ability to create groups with participants from third-party chats in 2025. By 2027, the company aims to roll out support for third-party video and voice calls, further expanding the interoperability of WhatsApp and Messenger.
Technical Challenges and Privacy
To maintain the privacy and security of messages, third-party apps that want to integrate with WhatsApp and Messenger will need to use the Signal Protocol, which is known for its robust end-to-end encryption. Meta has committed to providing access to this protocol for partners upon request.
The introduction of third-party chats in WhatsApp and Messenger is a significant step towards greater interoperability in the messaging landscape. While the feature is currently limited to the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act, it will be interesting to see if Meta extends it to other regions in the future. As users in the EU begin to experience the benefits of this new feature, it may set a precedent for more open and interconnected messaging platforms worldwide