What’s happened? Meta has announced a new messaging feature for Whatsapp users that will allow people to chat with users of third-party messaging apps. This update is part of compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in Europe, which requires interoperability.
- The rollout begins with two partner services, BirdyChat and Haiket, which will support text, image, voice, video, and file exchanges with Whatsapp users.
- Users will be able to opt in through a new settings toggle and can choose whether to display these messages in a separate “Third-party chats” folder or their main inbox.
- Meta says end-to-end encryption will remain intact, as partner apps are required to meet the same security standards as Whatsapp.
- The rollout will start “over the coming months” in Europe for both Android and iOS.
This is important because: It breaks Whatsapp’s long-standing “walled garden” model by letting users chat with people on different apps, potentially reducing the need to install a separate service just to chat with specific contacts.
- By complying with the DMA’s interoperability requirement, Meta is taking a significant step that may reshape how messaging apps function in Europe and possibly beyond.
- Meta is signaling that privacy won’t take a backseat to interoperability by ensuring that partner apps meet Whatsapp’s encryption standards.
Why should I care? This update could make messaging a lot less frustrating if you live in Europe.
- People using other messaging apps can reach you on Whatsapp, without you needing to download their app at all.
- Smaller messaging apps may become easier to use because their users can contact Whatsapp’s huge base without everyone downloading yet another app.
OK, what’s next? Whatsapp is preparing a set of updates to make the app safer and easier to use. You may soon get stronger protection against scams, a single place to view recently shared media from all chats, and the option to use the same username you have on Instagram.
- Users should watch for the toggle in Whatsapp settings as opting in is required, and third-party chats may have slightly different privacy terms.
- Keep an eye out to see if Meta expands support beyond Europe and includes more of the best messaging apps apart from the initial partners.
