The Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced by the European Commission mandates that messaging services such as WhatsApp and Messenger become interoperable with other messaging platforms within the European Union. This change means that WhatsApp users will be able to communicate with individuals using other messaging services, like Signal and Telegram.
A report about the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android (v2.23.19.8) indicates that the app is preparing to meet these requirements through a new feature termed ‘third-party chats’. Upon activation, this functionality will enable users to send and receive messages from external messaging services.
Upon introduction to the new feature, users are prompted to decide if they wish to activate it. The notification emphasizes that messages to or from non-WhatsApp platforms may be subject to different encryption standards. An important concern raised was related to the potential increase in spam and scams, as the door will open for messages from any connected platform, possibly amplifying the risk of encountering fraudulent activity.
The application cautions users that third-party apps come with their own policies and may manage user data differently than WhatsApp, which could pose a privacy risk.
Despite these concerns, the decision to enable third-party chat interoperability lies with the user. For those who opt in, WhatsApp plans to clearly separate the chats from third-party platforms to ensure users can easily distinguish between native WhatsApp conversations and those originating from outside services. It’s important to note that this feature will be exclusive to the European region.
As the feature rolls out and gains usage, further information and user feedback are expected, which will shed light on the practical implications of this new cross-platform messaging capability.
