WhatsApp Users May Soon Chat with Signal and Telegram Contacts: What We Know So Far

Exciting news for WhatsApp users! The popular messaging platform is reportedly developing a feature that could allow you to chat with users on other messaging apps directly from within WhatsApp. This functionality, known as chat interoperability, is being implemented in response to the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations.

Understanding Chat Interoperability

The DMA, introduced in 2022, aims to promote fair competition in the digital market by regulating the practices of "gatekeepers" - large companies that control access to online platforms. One of its key provisions mandates these gatekeepers to enable communication between their platforms and similar services offered by competitors.

In response to the DMA, WhatsApp is developing a new feature called Third-party chats. This feature, currently in beta testing, would allow users to:

• Communicate with users on other messaging apps: You could potentially send messages to individuals using platforms like Signal or Telegram, directly from your WhatsApp interface.

• Opt-in functionality: The feature is expected to be optional, meaning users will have the choice to enable it if they wish to use it.

However, it's important to note some key points:

• Separate inbox: Messages exchanged through interoperability will likely be listed in a separate inbox within WhatsApp, distinct from your regular WhatsApp chats.

• Limited functionalities: Initially, the feature might only support basic functionalities like text messages, pictures, voice messages, and videos. Features like group chats and calls might be introduced later, but the timeline is uncertain.

Addressing Potential Concerns

While the prospect of interoperability is exciting, WhatsApp acknowledges potential concerns and emphasizes transparency:

• Security: Users are warned that third-party apps might not utilize the same end-to-end encryption as WhatsApp, potentially impacting message privacy.

• Spam and scams: The platform highlights the increased risk of encountering spam and scams in interoperable chats compared to standard WhatsApp interactions.

• Data privacy: Users are informed that third-party apps have their own data privacy policies, which might differ from WhatsApp's practices.

The Road Ahead

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has confirmed the development of chat interoperability through its engineering director, Dick Brouwer. While the initial rollout will focus on basic functionalities, future updates could expand capabilities and potentially bridge the gap between different messaging platforms.

Meta's Approach: Client-Server Architecture

Brouwer further explained Meta's approach to interoperable messaging: "We think that the best way to deliver this approach is through a solution that is built on WhatsApp's existing client-server architecture… This effectively means that the approach that we're trying to take is for WhatsApp to document our client-server protocol and letting third-party clients connect directly to our infrastructure and exchange messages with WhatsApp clients."

This approach suggests that other messaging platforms would need to adapt their systems to connect with WhatsApp's infrastructure, potentially paving the way for a more interconnected messaging landscape in the future.