WhatsApp to Introduce Third-Party Messaging in the EU

WhatsApp and Messenger are expected to support third-party messaging in the EU, allowing the linking of messages from other applications. Find out how this feature will be implemented and what this will entail for the users.

Introduction:

WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are about to get a significant update in the European Union. Users will connect third-party messaging apps to these platforms, aligning with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Meta’s new interoperability plan expands messaging capabilities and offers more choices for video and voice calls by 2027.

WhatsApp and Messages Are to Merge Third Party Conversations:

Meta intends to make it possible for people to connect WhatsApp or Messenger with other applications. Currently, users in the EU will be able to combine these chats into one or have them in single and different inboxes. This update will feature apps commonly used in messaging and communication services such as iMessage, Telegram, Google Messages, and Signal. Under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Meta must integrate its platforms with third parties, which is proceeding from its realization.

Three new features to enrich the customer experience:

Meta has made sure that this integration goes a step further from what is basic. It will offer a rich experience in messaging via WhatsApp and Messenger as claimed by the company. The plugin enhances third-party chats, making them as interactive as native ones by supporting reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts. Starting early next year, users will create chat groups with individuals from other third-party applications.

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Internet Telephony – Voice and Video Calls on the Horizon:

Consequently, Meta’s interoperability plan does not end with messaging. The company plans to introduce third-party video and voice call support by 2027 the company is yet to unlock several growth opportunities that stand to enable it to generate more revenue. This feature will be only available in the EU and as a segment of compliance in line with the Digital Markets Act. The change will let people make voice and video calls directly from different apps within the two apps; WhatsApp and Messenger.

Challenges Ahead for Meta:

Moreover, Meta is all set with its interoperability plans and there are just technicalities in the ways. One challenge is to guarantee the privacy of the messages, which third-party applications seeking to interconnect must use Signal Protocol, the encryption that WhatsApp uses. Meta has ensured that this protocol is made available to partner apps to protect users’ private messages across the applications.

Conclusion:

The offer of third-party chat integration by Meta in WhatsApp and Messenger means a big change in how users in the EU will interact. The update with rich messaging features, linking messages from other apps, and future voice and video calls will allow for more use of flexibility. However, the issue of privacy using encryption still receives a lot of focus as Meta contemplates the difficulties encountered in this new paradigm of messaging.

Image Credit: WhatsApp