Meta is planning to integrate third-party chat services with WhatsApp in Europe, aligning with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This rollout is slated for the coming months, maintaining WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption. Meta’s “BirdyChat” and “Haiket” are the initial partners, though the extent of their involvement remains to be fully determined. WhatsApp users in Europe will eventually receive a notification indicating the option to opt-in to third-party messaging. This will work for iOS and Android, but not on desktops, web, or tablets. Meta emphasizes that third-party messaging apps must adhere to the same level of encryption as WhatsApp, and it will not be able to see encrypted messages in transit. Content could include text, photos, videos, voice messages, and documents. It will only function for users with a WhatsApp account registered to phone numbers in regions covered by the DMA, according to Meta’s statement. Meta notes that third-party messaging apps must use the same level of encryption as WhatsApp, and it cannot see encrypted messages. The introduction of this feature is drawing attention to potential data handling differences between WhatsApp and third-party providers.
Credits: The Verge
