Meta is preparing to launch third-party messaging support on WhatsApp across Europe, a move required by the Digital Markets Act.
The rollout will happen over the next few months, and Meta says the same level of end-to-end encryption used by WhatsApp will remain in place.
The first outside apps to work with WhatsApp will be BirdyChat and Haiket. These names may not be familiar, but this is part of the goal of the new rules, which aim to give smaller services a chance to compete with major platforms.
Users in Europe will soon notice a new notice in the WhatsApp settings menu that explains how to enable third-party messaging. The feature will work on the iOS and Android versions of WhatsApp, though it will not be available on the desktop app, web version, or tablet versions.
Meta says that any third-party app connecting to WhatsApp must use the same strong encryption standard. Meta cannot see or read messages while they are being sent. Supported content includes text messages, photos, videos, voice messages, and documents. Only phone numbers registered in regions covered by the Digital Markets Act will be eligible for the feature.
Users will be given a choice to combine all chats into a single inbox or keep messages from outside apps in a separate folder. Meta will also alert users whenever a new service becomes available for connection.
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Meta adds that third-party apps may treat user data differently from WhatsApp. After years of privacy concerns around Meta, some people may see that as a positive change.
