WhatsApp Testing a New Third-Party Messaging Feature

The latest WhatsApp beta for Android has unveiled an intriguing feature called “Third-party chats,” hinting at the messenger’s efforts to introduce cross-platform messaging capabilities. This move aligns with Meta’s ambitions for its encrypted messaging platform.

Compliance with EU’s Digital Market Acts

WhatsApp is strategically integrating Third-party chat support to comply with the European Union’s Digital Market Acts (DMA). As of July, seven tech titans, including Meta, were mandated by the EU to adhere to the new digital market regulations. A crucial stipulation of the DMA requires these tech giants to refrain from favoring their proprietary services and to facilitate interoperability with third-party platforms.

EU Commission’s Directive

In a recent development, the EU Commission outlined specific applications that would fall under these rules, encompassing Meta-owned WhatsApp and Messenger. This underscores the regulatory pressure driving Meta to implement interoperability features.

WhatsApp Beta for Android: Version 2.23.19.8

WABetaInfo, a prominent WhatsApp tracker, has unearthed signs of interoperability in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.19.8. This suggests that Meta has initiated the process of integrating Third-party chat support into the app.

Breaking Silos: WhatsApp and Beyond

Once fully implemented, WhatsApp users will gain the ability to communicate with Third-party messaging applications like Signal or Telegram. While Meta has not disclosed an official launch date for this feature on a global scale, it is anticipated to roll out by March 2024, promising a more interconnected messaging experience for users.

As WhatsApp pioneers the path to cross-platform messaging, it signifies a broader industry shift towards greater collaboration and interoperability among messaging services. This development has the potential to reshape how users communicate across different platforms and services, fostering a more integrated digital ecosystem.