Meta is preparing for a significant change in WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Users in Europe will soon be able to chat with contacts using other messaging services. Meta has now explained how this new feature will work.
WhatsApp opens up: Cross-platform messaging
WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are on the brink of a revolution: Users in Europe will soon be able to chat with contacts who use other messaging services. This new development is based on the requirements of the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has now provided initial insights into how these third-party chats will function and what options users will have.
According to Meta, great importance is placed on ensuring that the new feature is intuitive to use. For example, WhatsApp will display a notification as soon as new third-party apps become available. A setup wizard will then guide users step-by-step through activating the feature and selecting which external apps they wish to receive messages from.
Users will have a choice: They can either view messages from third-party providers in a separate folder or together with regular WhatsApp chats. This setting can be changed at any time to customize the overview according to personal preferences (Source: Meta).
Meta even plans to go beyond the basic functions required by the EU. Even in chats via third-party apps, users should be able to send reactions, reply directly to messages, and see read receipts. Further expansions are planned for the future: Group chats are set to be possible from 2025, and voice and video calls from 2027.
Open questions about practical implementation
It remains unclear which messaging services will actually be compatible with WhatsApp. Some well-known providers such as Signal and Threema have already expressed concerns and don’t want to participate. They argue that connecting with WhatsApp could compromise their own security standards.
Additionally, third-party chats will only be available to users once the external messaging services have developed the necessary technology. When this will be the case is still open.