The European Union announced it will pass new laws that would require major messaging services such as iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger to send and receive messages, calls, videos and files from smaller competitors.
The regulation, which is part of the proposed Digital Markets Act (DMA), would require major messaging platforms to make their services compatible with smaller messaging platforms. Services that would have to work between platforms include sending messages, video calls and even sending files. The regulation would apply to all companies that have at least 45 million monthly active end users and 10,000 annual active users in enterprises in Europe, according to TechCrunch reportedFailure to comply with the new rules could result in fines of up to EUR 10 million of annual worldwide turnover, or up to EUR 20 million for repeated infringements. This has raised questions about the security of such an interoperable platform. Andreas Schwab, the European Parliament's rapporteur on this dossier, believes it can be made secure.
EU wants to prevent anti-competitive growth
Parliament has always been clear that interoperability for messaging must come. It will come - but at the same time it must be secure. If the telecom regulator says it is not possible to offer encrypted group chats within the next nine months, then it will come as soon as it is possible, there is no doubt about that.
The legislation would also force platforms to let users choose which web browsers, search engines and virtual assistants they use. The DMA has yet to be finalized as the text of the law still needs to be approved by Parliament and Council. There is currently no timeline for when the interoperable features must be introduced. Back in November 2020, major tech companies, including Apple and Google, were invited to talks on the DMA. The main goal of the DMA is to curb the anti-competitive growth of tech giants such as Apple, Google and Meta (formerly Facebook Inc.). (Photo by paulgrecaud / Bigstockphoto)
