WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging platform, has announced that it will soon support third-party chats, allowing users to send and receive messages from other messaging apps. This decision comes following the introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by the European Union in 2022. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, stated that after initial complications, they have resolved the issues related to ensuring end-to-end encryption with third-party apps.
Meta has assured users that the new interoperable feature will prioritize privacy and security. The company took an additional six months to build and test the technical aspects of the feature to ensure a seamless experience for users. WhatsApp’s integration of third-party chats will come with new notifications to inform users about the availability of messages from other apps.
To facilitate the use of third-party chats, WhatsApp will introduce an onboarding flow for users. This feature will enable users to choose which third-party apps they want to receive messages from and how they want to manage their inbox. Users will have the option to keep third-party chats separate from their main inbox or merge them together. Those who prefer to keep them separate can choose to have messages delivered to a designated folder.
In addition to basic messaging functionalities, users will be able to use app-specific features such as message reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts in third-party chats. Furthermore, WhatsApp plans to introduce group chats, voice calls, and video calls through third-party messaging services in 2027. The company is collaborating with various third-party messaging services to ensure a secure and seamless experience for users.
The introduction of third-party chats in WhatsApp marks a significant step towards enhanced interoperability and user experience. With a focus on privacy, security, and user control, this new feature is expected to revolutionize the way users interact across different messaging platforms.
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