In an effort to adhere to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the European Union, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has initiated the testing of a third-party chat feature, as reported by WABetaInfo.
Meta Starts Testing Third Party Chat Feature
This new functionality, currently not accessible, is being developed and tested within the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.19.8.
It represents a significant stride towards enabling Meta’s encrypted messaging app to interact with other instant messaging platforms.
This development comes in response to the recent designation by the European Commission of Meta, WhatsApp’s owner, as a “gatekeeper” under the EU’s Digital Markets Act. The DMA stipulates that communication software, including WhatsApp, must be capable of interoperating with third-party messaging apps by March 2024. A screenshot shared by WABetaInfo underscores the DMA’s objective of preventing gatekeepers from imposing unfair conditions and ensuring the openness of digital services.
According to the report, WhatsApp has a six-month window to align its application with the new European regulations in order to offer interoperability services within the European Union. The scope of this feature beyond EU boundaries remains uncertain at this time.
Users Can Text On Different Messaging Platforms With WhatsApp Users
Once implemented, interoperability will allow users on different messaging platforms to communicate with WhatsApp users, even if they do not have a WhatsApp account. For example, a Telegram user could send a message to a WhatsApp user, bridging the gap between various messaging apps. While this expanded network holds promise for improved communication and competition within the messaging app industry, concerns regarding the preservation of end-to-end encryption for messages from non-WhatsApp users persist. Detailed technical information about this feature is still limited, but ensuring the security of end-to-end encryption remains a priority.
Furthermore, Article 7 of the regulations suggests that users may have the option to opt out of interoperability when it becomes available in the future.
It is important to note that several other tech giants, including Alphabet, Amazon, ByteDance, Apple, and Microsoft, have also been designated as gatekeepers under the DMA. Apple, although not currently compliant with cross-platform messaging, may undergo changes in the future as the EU considers iMessage significant enough to fall under DMA coverage.
Additionally, both Meta and Microsoft are reportedly planning to introduce their own app stores as a means to challenge the duopoly of Google and Apple, aligning with DMA requirements, as indicated in a report by The Verge.
