WhatsApp to Enable Cross-Platform Messaging in Europe
▼ Summary
– Meta is launching third-party chat integration on WhatsApp in Europe to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) interoperability requirements.
– Users in Europe will soon be able to chat with people using BirdyChat and Haiket messaging apps directly through WhatsApp’s third-party chat feature.
– The integration will allow sharing of messages, images, voice messages, videos, and files, with group chat functionality to be added later when partners are ready.
– Third-party chats are optional, can be enabled or disabled anytime, and will only work on Android and iOS devices, not on desktops, web, or tablets.
– Meta ensures third-party messaging uses the same end-to-end encryption as WhatsApp and will notify users when new third-party apps become available.
Meta is preparing to introduce a groundbreaking feature for WhatsApp users across Europe: the ability to exchange messages with people on other messaging platforms. This development comes as a direct response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates that large tech companies enable interoperability between their services and those of competitors. Following a series of successful limited tests, WhatsApp will soon allow its European users to communicate directly with individuals using BirdyChat and Haiket through a new third-party chat function.
Users who choose to activate this integration will be able to share a wide variety of content, including text messages, photos, voice recordings, video clips, and files. Group chats involving participants from different messaging services will become available once Meta’s partner platforms have completed the necessary technical upgrades to support this functionality.
In the near future, people located in the European region will notice an alert within their WhatsApp settings explaining how they can enable cross-app messaging. It’s important to note that this interoperability will only function on Android and iOS smartphones, desktop, web, and tablet versions of WhatsApp will not support third-party chats.
Participation in cross-platform messaging is entirely voluntary. Users retain full control and can activate or disable third-party chats at any time according to their preference.
Meta’s collaboration with BirdyChat and Haiket follows three years of joint effort with these European messaging providers and the European Commission. Together, they have worked to design a secure, DMA-compliant interoperability solution. A key requirement for any third-party service joining the network is the implementation of end-to-end encryption that matches WhatsApp’s own security standards. Meta has also taken steps to ensure that the user experience clearly distinguishes between regular WhatsApp conversations and those originating from external apps.
Back in September 2024, Meta provided a preview of the third-party chat interface, revealing that users would have the choice between a separate folder for external messages or a unified inbox combining all conversations. The company also committed to notifying users whenever a new third-party messaging service becomes available for connection.
(Source: TechCrunch)
