Meta has announced plans to introduce third-party chat integration within its popular messaging platforms, WhatsApp and Messenger, specifically for users in the European Union. This move aims to offer users more flexibility by allowing them to merge messages from Messenger, WhatsApp, and supported third-party apps into a unified inbox or keep them separate if they prefer.
Enhanced Notifications and Features
To enhance the user experience, Meta will be rolling out new notifications in both Messenger and WhatsApp. These notifications will alert users when third-party app chats can be linked to their inbox. Meta is also committed to offering a feature-rich experience, ensuring that users can still enjoy functions such as message reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts even with third-party apps integrated.
Future Plans: Group Chats and Calls
Meta plans to introduce the ability to create groups with contacts from third-party apps starting next year, making cross-platform communication even more seamless. Additionally, by 2027, Meta will support third-party video and voice calls, further breaking down the barriers between messaging services.
Compliance with EU’s Digital Markets Act
These changes come as Meta works to meet the requirements of the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which mandates that WhatsApp and Messenger be interoperable with third-party apps like iMessage, Telegram, Google Messages, Signal, and others. Meta, classified as a digital gatekeeper, must ensure compliance with these new rules to avoid penalties.
Security Through the Signal Protocol
Meta is also focused on maintaining privacy and security during this transition. Third-party apps that wish to integrate with WhatsApp and Messenger will be required to adopt the Signal Protocol, the same encryption standard used by Meta’s platforms. Meta has pledged to make this protocol available to partners who request it, ensuring that security remains a top priority.
