Meta-owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp is reportedly working on a third-party chats feature. This support for chat interoperability is expected to allow other people to connect with users on WhatsApp even if they don’t have a WhatsApp account. As this feature is currently under development, it is not ready for beta testers, as per the report.
According to a report by a known WhatsApp tipster publication, WABetaInfo, the messaging platform is working to meet new European Union regulations by adding chat interoperability support in an upcoming app update.
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Source: WABetaInfo
The European Union has recently agreed on a significant competition reform called the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This reform will impose strict rules on major tech companies, requiring them to allow users to communicate across different apps.
WhatsApp is among the companies that must adhere to the new regulations outlined in the DMA. This is because WhatsApp qualifies as a gatekeeper service due to its status as a large tech platform with a substantial user base, meeting the DMA's criteria. In the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.19.8 update, available on the Google Play Store, it has been discovered that WhatsApp is actively working on complying with these new regulations.
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For the new third-party chats feature, WhatsApp is expected to add a new section dedicated to the new regulations. As it is in development, the section appears empty and is not accessible to users.
In order to deliver its interoperability service in the European Union, WhatsApp has six months to modify the app to the new European standards. It is still unknown if this feature will eventually be available in countries other than the European Union.
The third-party chat support will likely enable individuals using other platforms to reach out to WhatsApp users, even if they don't have a WhatsApp account.
According to the report, while this broader network is expected to improve communication with people who use different messaging apps, the new feature might also raise concerns about end-to-end encryption when receiving a message from users who don’t use WhatsApp. Also, users might have the choice to opt out in the future, as outlined in Article 7 of the regulations.
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