Interoperability Features for EU Users
As part of its compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act, Meta is embarking on a significant transformation of its messaging platforms, WhatsApp and Messenger. The company has unveiled its plans for enabling interoperability with other messaging applications, such as Apple Messages, Telegram, Signal, and Google Messages, specifically for users within the European Union.
While these enhancements may appear promising, they currently apply exclusively to the EU market. The potential for a global rollout remains uncertain, as Meta has yet to indicate any intentions to extend these capabilities beyond Europe. Theoretically, once the transition in Europe is finalized, expanding these features could be feasible. However, without a clear incentive for Meta to pursue global interoperability, the motivation appears limited. Additionally, the likelihood of similar regulatory mandates emerging in other regions seems slim, given the unique stance of the EU in this regard.
In a departure from a rigid, uniform approach, Meta is allowing users the flexibility to select which third-party applications they wish to integrate. Users can choose to keep their third-party chats organized in a dedicated inbox folder or opt for a more streamlined experience by merging all communications—WhatsApp, Messenger, and external messages—into a single unified inbox. During the initial setup, each Meta application will present these options, with the ability for users to modify their preferences at any time.
Recognizing that some users may require assistance navigating these changes, Meta has incorporated an onboarding process designed to clarify the third-party integration features. This process enables users to toggle which external applications they wish to permit. Once a service is activated, Meta will provide notifications regarding new compatibility updates as they become available.
Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of this initiative is Meta's commitment to delivering comprehensive rich messaging functionalities across third-party chats from the outset. Features such as reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts will be available immediately. Furthermore, users of other messaging applications will have the opportunity to participate in group chats starting in 2025, with voice and video calling capabilities expected to follow in 2027.
Facilitating communication across various messaging platforms presents significant challenges, particularly in achieving a common encryption standard to ensure security. To address this, Meta plans to share access to the Signal Protocol utilized by WhatsApp. However, third-party applications will need to integrate this protocol and secure Meta's approval for their implementation—a task that may prove more complex than anticipated. Nonetheless, this step is a crucial requirement outlined in the official agreement that Meta intends to have service providers sign.