In compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Meta has announced that its popular messaging platforms, WhatsApp and Messenger, will support interoperability with third-party messaging services by 2027. The DMA mandates that dominant tech platforms allow users to communicate across different apps, enhancing messaging convenience. Meta’s move will enable users to send and receive messages from non-Meta messaging apps directly within WhatsApp and Messenger, improving cross-platform interaction
Focus on Privacy and Security
Meta emphasizes that privacy and security remain top priorities as they develop this new functionality. The company is working on a technical solution that ensures third-party chats maintain the same level of encryption and user privacy as existing WhatsApp and Messenger communications. Meta has introduced new notifications that will inform users about third-party chats and will notify them each time a new app becomes compatible with WhatsApp or Messenger. This feature is designed to keep users aware and in control of their interactions.
Customization and User Control
WhatsApp and Messenger users will have the flexibility to manage how they interact with third-party apps. Meta plans to introduce options for either combined or separate inboxes. Users can choose to view all their messages, including those from third-party services, in a single combined inbox, or they can opt for a separate folder where only third-party messages will appear. This provides users with greater control over their inbox organization, enhancing the overall user experience.
In addition to inbox customization, users will have the power to select which third-party apps they want to receive messages from, offering an extra layer of personalization.
New Features and Delayed Call Integration
Meta is also introducing “Rich Messaging Features” like reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts to support third-party chats. Group chat functionality will also extend to include participants from other apps by 2025. However, voice and video calls with third-party apps will be delayed until 2027, as Meta focuses on developing secure integration for these features.
