The recent beta of WhatsApp for Android and iOS revealed a significant innovation: the third-party chat support. This change, dictated by the new regulations of the European Union or the Digital Markets Act (DMA), ensures the arrival of a function that will allow users to chat with other users using external applications. For example, a user WhatsApp will be able to communicate with someone on Messenger.
WhatsApp becomes compliant with the Digital Markets Act: third-party chat coming soon
La news of the update WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.19.8 and iOS 24.2.10.72 has put the spotlight on a long-awaited feature: support for third-party chats. This development is a direct response to the demands imposed by the EU, which aims to regulate the influence of large technology companies in the digital market. WhatsApp, identified as a "gatekeeper" in the messaging sector, is therefore called upon to adhere to strict rules to ensure greater interoperability between different applications.
The distinctive feature of this new function lies in its ability to allow users to communicate across different messaging apps. In practice, a Signal user (for example) could send messages to a WhatsApp user without the need to have a WhatsApp account. This approach not only increases the diversity of communication channels but also improves the overall user experience, making interactions more inclusive.
A crucial aspect of this implementation is user control. The interoperability functionality will require manual activation and will offer the option to deactivate it, in line with Article 7 of the regulations. Furthermore, the end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp's security pillar, must also be maintained in interoperable messaging systems, thus guaranteeing a high level of security in communications between different platforms.
This innovation is not only a move to comply with regulations, but also represents a step towards a more open and connected future of digital communication. The final objective, although the achievement is very slow, is to make WhatsApp an “everything” app, just as Elon Musk wants it to be for X. A WeChat clone essentially, where in the future they will also be possible make payments.
