Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is set to introduce third-party chat integration on the messaging platform for users in Europe. This move comes in response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) requirements, enabling WhatsApp users to chat with individuals on third-party messaging services like BirdyChat and Haiket directly through the app.
Users who opt in to this integration will have the ability to share messages, images, voice messages, videos, and files with their contacts. The option to create groups with third-party users will also be available once Meta’s partners are prepared to support it. While this feature will only be functional on Android and iOS devices initially, it will not extend to desktops, web browsers, or tablets.
Meta emphasizes that engaging in third-party chats remains voluntary, with users retaining the flexibility to enable or disable this functionality at their discretion. The company’s collaboration with BirdyChat and Haiket, facilitated by a three-year partnership with the European Commission, ensures that the third-party chat solution complies with the DMA’s stipulations. Furthermore, Meta guarantees that third-party messaging will uphold the same rigorous end-to-end encryption standards as WhatsApp’s native chats, accompanied by clear distinctions to help users differentiate between the two communication modes.
Source: TechCrunch