Meta is set to introduce third-party chat integration on WhatsApp in Europe, as mandated by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The tech giant announced on Friday that users in Europe will soon be able to chat with people using third-party messaging services that have chosen to make their apps interoperable.
Following successful small-scale tests, WhatsApp users in Europe will be able to share messages, images, voice messages, videos, and files with users of messaging apps BirdyChat and Haiket directly via third-party chats. The feature will initially be available on Android and iOS devices.
Compliance with DMA Requirements
The introduction of third-party chat integration is a significant milestone in Meta’s compliance with the DMA’s interoperability requirements. The DMA requires Meta to give users in Europe the option to chat with people using third-party messaging services that have chosen to make their apps interoperable.
According to Meta, the company has worked closely with European messaging services and the European Commission over the past three years to develop a third-party chat solution that complies with DMA requirements. The solution ensures that third-party messaging services use the same level of end-to-end encryption as WhatsApp.
Implementation and User Experience
Users in Europe will begin seeing a notification in the “Settings” tab explaining the process of opting in to connect with people on third-party apps. The option to create groups with third-party users will be available once Meta’s partners are ready to support it.
Meta has ensured that users will understand the differences between chats on WhatsApp and third-party chats. Users will be able to set up a designated folder for third-party messages or opt for a combined inbox. Additionally, users will be notified each time a new third-party messaging app becomes available.
User Control and Security
Connecting with people on other messaging apps is optional, and users can turn third-party chats on or off at any time. Meta has emphasized that third-party messaging services must adhere to the same end-to-end encryption standards as WhatsApp, ensuring a secure messaging experience.
As the rollout continues, users in Europe can expect to see the third-party chat feature become available in the coming months. The development is part of Meta’s efforts to comply with the DMA and provide users with more flexibility in their messaging choices.
As the feature is rolled out, it remains to be seen how users will respond to the new capability and how it will impact the messaging landscape in Europe. The next step will be to monitor the adoption rate and any potential challenges that arise from the integration.
