Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp and Messenger, has revealed its ambitious plans to make these popular messaging platforms interoperable with third-party apps, starting in the European Union. This move comes in response to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) requirements, but Meta claims to be going above and beyond the basic compliance measures.
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| WhatsApp's logo symbolizes the brand's commitment to interoperability with third-party messaging apps |
Key Features and Timeline
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Immediate Changes: EU users of WhatsApp and Messenger will start seeing notifications about third-party chat support and reminders when new apps become compatible.
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User Control: An onboarding process will educate users about third-party chats, allowing them to choose which external platforms they want to receive messages from.
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Inbox Management: Users can opt to combine third-party messages with their WhatsApp/Messenger inbox or keep them separate.
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Enhanced Functionality: Meta plans to support rich messaging features like reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts for third-party chats.
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Group Chats: Interoperable group chats are slated for implementation by 2025.
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Video and Voice Calls: Support for third-party video and voice calls is planned for 2027.
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| The interface of a messaging app highlights the new features and user control regarding third-party chat integration |
Technical Requirements and Challenges
For third-party apps to integrate with WhatsApp and Messenger, they must:
- Encrypt messages using the Signal Protocol
- Package messages using XML
- Sign an agreement with Meta to access the necessary protocols
This approach ensures that the high level of encryption and security that WhatsApp users expect is maintained across platforms.
Implications for Users and the Industry
This move towards interoperability could significantly change the messaging app landscape, potentially breaking down the walled gardens that have long separated different platforms. For users, it promises greater flexibility and convenience in communication across various apps.
However, the timeline for full implementation is quite extended, with group chats and video calling support not expected until 2025 and 2027, respectively. This gradual rollout may be designed to ensure smooth integration and address any security concerns that arise.
As Meta takes these steps in the EU, it remains to be seen how this will affect users in other regions and whether other major players in the messaging space will follow suit. The tech industry will be watching closely to see how this experiment in interoperability unfolds and what it might mean for the future of digital communication.