WhatsApp is reportedly working on chat interoperability support for it’s latest Android beta, which could let users chat with others from non-WhatsApp chat apps.
This support is mandatory under the new EU’s Digital Markets Act, that forces platforms with a substantial user base to support chat interoperability for better reach. And since WhatsApp is deemed a gatekeeper of chat apps, it’s ordered to follow the DMA rules.
Chat Interoperability Under DMA Rules
The European Union is always a tough land for commercial firms, as there are several regulations to guard against unethical practices and continuous improvement of laws for the betterment of their citizens. Tech companies, in this pursuit, are subject to several rules that, if violated, could attract strict penalties.
One among them is the recently introduced Digital Markets Act, which forces the big tech operating in the EU to loosen their grip on their reigning fields. One among them is chat communication, where WhatsApp is seen as a gatekeeper and is forced to relax on specific terms.
The major is enabling chat interoperability, where WhatsApp should start supporting chatting from third-party messengers! Removing a must-app barrier will allow users of all chat apps(which support chat interoperability) to communicate with each other, thus creating a better reach.
While WhatsApp has six months to comply with this rule, it already started working on it. As WaBetaInfo noted, the latest WhatsApp for Android beta v2.23.19.8 contains chat interoperability support, just as the EU wanted.
https://twitter.com/WABetaInfo/status/1700921756129636433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1700921756129636433%7Ctwgr%5Ecaefe668a2b633381fe4531a535994dc0fad2df0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2023%2F9%2F10%2F23866912%2Fwhatsapp-cross-platform-messaging-eu-dma-meta
A dedicated section called Third-party Chats appeared to probably allow messages from other chat apps and reply from there. However, as the function is still in development, it seems empty and inaccessible to users.
It’s unclear if this support is available only to EU users or the rest of the world, although we like having it everywhere. While it’s a good thing, the support will also raise privacy concerns as not every app follows tight security policies like end-to-end encryption.
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