WhatsApp's Open Future: 🚀 A Game Changer!

Tech & Science

Meta is preparing to launch third-party integration with WhatsApp across Europe, a rollout driven by the Digital Markets Act. This initiative, set to roll out over the coming months, will safeguard WhatsApp’s existing end-to-end encryption. Initially, BirdyChat and Haiket will be the first apps to enable messaging interoperability with WhatsApp. Users in Europe will eventually receive a notification within WhatsApp’s settings, explaining how to opt-in to these services. This functionality will be available on WhatsApp for both iOS and Android devices, but not on desktop computers, web browsers, or tablets. Crucially, Meta is insisting that any third-party messaging app must maintain the same level of end-to-end encryption as WhatsApp, ensuring Meta cannot access the content of those messages during transit. The integration will support a broad range of content, including text, photos, videos, voice messages, and documents, and will be limited to users with WhatsApp accounts linked to phone numbers within regions covered by the DMA. Meta previously demonstrated this integration, offering users the option of receiving third-party messages in a separate folder or combined with their regular WhatsApp inbox, and reminding them each time a new app becomes available. Users should be mindful that third-party apps may handle their data differently than Meta does – a factor that warrants careful consideration.