WhatsApp will soon enable cross-platform chats

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WhatsApp is opening up to third-party apps in the European Union for the first time. This change is a direct consequence of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires large platforms to become interoperable. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for WhatsApp, in which closed systems are being broken down and the messenger will no longer function solely within its own ecosystem.

Meta has been working for years to technically develop WhatsApp to enable secure communication with other messaging services. The DMA (Digital Access Management) is accelerating this development, but according to Meta, work on interoperability would have been progressing well anyway. Now, the first official partners have been confirmed: BirdyChat and Haiket. Both services have successfully completed tests and meet the technical and security requirements set by WhatsApp. This brings the introduction of cross-platform chats for European users within reach.

Why WhatsApp is introducing interoperability

The DMA requires so-called gatekeeper platforms to make their services compatible with competing solutions. For WhatsApp, this means that third-party apps will be able to communicate directly with WhatsApp in the future. Meta confirms that BirdyChat and Haiket are the first services to be officially supported. Both apps have been tested for several months and meet WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption requirements, which were established as the basis for opening up the platform.

Which content will be able to be shared across platforms in the future

Activating interoperability allows users to exchange various types of content not only between WhatsApp users, but also with users of compatible apps. This includes text messages, images, voice messages, videos, and files. This means that WhatsApp covers all the essential basic functions used in everyday life right from the start.

Restrictions and planned expansions

Meta announces that group chats with third-party users are also planned. However, this feature will only be activated once the partner services are technically ready. Interestingly, Meta makes no mention of web apps or desktop applications. This suggests that interoperability will initially be offered exclusively on iOS and Android devices. Thus, WhatsApp is focusing on mobile use, which is the focus of the DMA.

Security requirements as a central element

Protecting security and privacy remains a crucial point. WhatsApp requires third-party providers to use an encryption level that meets its own standard. Meta emphasizes three principles that govern implementation. First, end-to-end encryption must be fully guaranteed. Second, the user experience should remain as simple as possible, even if chats with third-party providers function differently from a technical standpoint. Third, the feature must be available to all users in the EU, as required by the DMA.

Meta also explains that the interoperability is the result of more than three years of collaboration with European messaging services and the European Commission. The goal was to develop a solution that meets legal requirements while also protecting user security.

Activating the function within the app

In the coming months, a new notification will appear within WhatsApp settings explaining how to enable the connection with third-party apps. This feature is optional and must be manually activated. Meta also announced that it will gradually expand the service and provide updates on additional features and supported services as they become available.

A new chapter for WhatsApp in the EU

With the introduction of third-party chat support, WhatsApp is entering a significantly more open chapter. The messenger now meets the requirements of the DMA (Digital Access Management) and simultaneously creates a foundation for greater choice and flexibility in everyday communication. Despite this opening, the focus on security and privacy remains. The coming months will show how quickly interoperability becomes commonplace and which other services will follow. (Image: Shutterstock / DavideAngelini)