WhatsApp to Launch Third-Party Chat Integration in Europe

WhatsApp to Introduce Third-Party Chat Integration in Europe

Meta has announced its preparation to launch third-party chat integration on WhatsApp within Europe, as revealed on Friday. This move is a direct response to the stipulations of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

DMA Compliance and Interoperability

The DMA mandates that Meta provide European users with the ability to communicate with individuals utilizing third-party messaging services that have chosen to implement interoperability. This ensures greater choice and connectivity for users.

Initial Rollout with BirdyChat and Haiket

“Following months of successful, limited testing, WhatsApp users will soon have the option to directly message users of BirdyChat and Haiket through third-party chats across Europe,” Meta stated in a recent blog post. This represents a key step in fulfilling the interoperability requirements outlined by the EU’s DMA.

Supported Media Types

European users who actively choose to enable this integration will be able to exchange a variety of media formats. These include text messages, images, voice recordings, videos, and files.

Group Chat Functionality

The capability to establish groups incorporating users from third-party applications is planned for a future release. This will become available once Meta’s partner applications are prepared to support this feature.

Opt-In Process and Platform Availability

Over the coming months, users within the European Region will receive a notification within the “Settings” section. This notification will detail the process for opting into connectivity with users on third-party apps.

It’s important to note that this third-party integration will initially be supported exclusively on Android and iOS platforms. Desktop, web, and tablet versions of WhatsApp will not be included in the initial rollout.

User Control and Optionality

Connecting with contacts on alternative messaging platforms is entirely optional. Users retain full control and can activate or deactivate third-party chats at any time, according to their preferences.

Collaboration and Development

Meta emphasizes that its collaborations with BirdyChat and Haiket are the culmination of a three-year effort. This involved working closely with European messaging services and the European Commission to create a compliant third-party chat solution.

Security and Encryption

A crucial aspect of this integration is security. Meta confirms that third-party messaging services must employ the same level of end-to-end encryption as WhatsApp itself. This ensures the privacy and security of user communications.

Transparency and User Awareness

Meta has also taken steps to ensure users are fully informed about the distinctions between conversations on WhatsApp and those conducted through third-party chats.

Previous Announcements and User Interface

In September 2024, Meta previewed the anticipated appearance of third-party chats within WhatsApp. Users will have the option to designate a separate folder for these messages or utilize a unified inbox.

The company also indicated that it will proactively notify users whenever a new third-party messaging application becomes available for integration.