WhatsApp, Messenger to allow messages from 3rd-party services in Europe
Meta has announced plans to allow third-party services in WhatsApp and Messenger for users in the European Union. This move will enable users to put messages in the same inbox as third-party chats or keep them separate.
Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Meta is making significant changes to WhatsApp and Messenger to facilitate interoperability with third-party messaging services. The company stated, “We’ll continue to build new features including expanding to groups in 2025 and calling in 2027.”
As mandated by the DMA, individuals using WhatsApp and Messenger in Europe will have the choice to connect with users on third-party messaging services that have opted for interoperability. Meta refers to this feature as "third-party chats."
After a six-month period of developing new features, crafting a fresh user experience, and gathering feedback from potential partners and stakeholders, Meta shared an update on the appearance of third-party chats on WhatsApp and Messenger.
Meta has incorporated new notifications into WhatsApp and Messenger to keep users informed about third-party chats. Users will receive reminders whenever a new third-party messaging app becomes available. Additionally, a straightforward onboarding process has been designed for users to learn more about third-party chats and activate the feature.
Users will have the flexibility to select the third-party apps from which they wish to receive messages and manage their inbox preferences. They can choose between having third-party messages delivered to a separate folder or opt for a combined inbox displaying all messages in one location. Meta emphasized that users can modify these settings whenever they wish.
Moreover, the company will offer rich messaging features like reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts. Meta has committed to including the option to create groups in 2025 and introduce voice/video calling in 2027, in compliance with the DMA.
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