Meta is preparing to integrate third-party chat with WhatsApp in Europe — a requirement under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The launch will happen “in the coming months,” while maintaining WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption (E2EE) level .
Meta says BirdyChat and Haiket will be the first third-party services to implement messaging interoperability with WhatsApp. WhatsApp users in Europe will eventually see a notification in their settings tab explaining how to opt in to the ability to send messages through third-party services. It will work on WhatsApp for iOS and Android, but not on desktops, web, or tablets.
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Meta states that “third-party messaging apps must use the same E2EE layer as WhatsApp,” and Meta cannot see encrypted messages in transit. The content can include text, photos, videos, voice messages, and documents. It will only work for users with WhatsApp accounts registered to phone numbers in areas covered by the DMA.
Meta warns that third-party apps “may handle your data differently” than it would. This means users should be careful about how these apps handle their personal data and read their privacy policies carefully before choosing to use these services.
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WhatsApp: Changes due to DMA Law
The integration of third-party chats into WhatsApp is part of Meta's broader effort to comply with new regulatory requirements in Europe. The Digital Markets Act aims to create a more open and competitive digital ecosystem, allowing different services to work together and offering users more choice.
This move could have a significant impact on the way users communicate across digital platforms, as it could facilitate communication between different apps and services. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the ability of third-party apps to ensure the security and privacy of their users at a level comparable to that of WhatsApp.
See also: WhatsApp warns of screen sharing scams
Furthermore, Meta will need to ensure that this integration does not negatively impact the user experience , maintaining the simplicity and efficiency of the app. Users should be able to easily choose whether to use the new features and have full control over their privacy settings.
Overall, the integration of third-party chats into WhatsApp is an important step towards a more interoperable and open digital world, but it requires careful implementation and ongoing monitoring to ensure that users remain safe and protected.
