Compliance with the Digital Markets Act
In compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), users of WhatsApp and Messenger in Europe are now afforded the opportunity to connect with individuals utilizing third-party messaging services that have opted for interoperability. This innovative feature, referred to as third-party chats, marks a significant shift in how messaging applications can interact.
Since the DMA’s implementation earlier this year, we have been diligently working on the technical aspects of third-party chats. Our focus has been on developing a solution that prioritizes user privacy and security while enabling seamless communication across different platforms. After six months of dedicated effort, which included building new features and gathering feedback from potential partners and stakeholders, we are excited to unveil the forthcoming enhancements to WhatsApp and Messenger.
Easy to Find and Simple to Use
Feedback from various messaging services has underscored the importance of clarity and accessibility when it comes to connecting with users on different apps. In response, we have integrated new notifications within WhatsApp and Messenger that will keep users informed about third-party chat options. Each time a new third-party messaging app becomes available, users will receive a reminder.
Additionally, we have crafted a straightforward onboarding process that allows users to familiarize themselves with third-party chats and activate the feature. This process includes options for selecting which third-party applications they wish to receive messages from and how they prefer to manage their inbox.
More Options to Manage Chats
Understanding that user preferences vary, we have designed the system to accommodate different management styles for chats. Some users may prefer to keep third-party chats distinct from their existing inbox, while others might opt for a unified view. To cater to these preferences, we offer the choice of directing third-party messages to a separate folder or combining all messages into a single inbox. Users retain the flexibility to modify these settings at any time.
Rich Messaging Features
Going beyond the basic requirements set forth by the DMA, we are committed to delivering a rich messaging experience. Users can expect features such as reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce group creation capabilities in 2025 and voice/video calling functionalities in 2027, in line with DMA guidelines.
As previously discussed, developing third-party chats presents technical challenges, particularly in maintaining privacy and security, which is a collective responsibility. While we have made significant progress, there remains much to accomplish. Our ongoing collaboration with third-party messaging services is essential to ensure a safe and optimal user experience. Users will begin to see the third-party chat option once a third-party messaging service has successfully developed, tested, and launched the necessary technology to facilitate a secure and positive interaction.
For more information about third-party chats on WhatsApp and Messenger, please stay tuned for updates.