Meta to Introduce Third-Party App Interoperability on WhatsApp and Messenger by 2027

Meta has announced plans to comply with the European Digital Markets Act (DMA) by introducing interoperability features on its messaging apps, WhatsApp and Messenger. This move will allow users to connect with third-party messaging services and apps, enhancing the overall messaging experience.

Key Features and Timeline

• Meta is building features to notify users about third-party integrations and provide notifications when newly compatible third-party messaging apps come online.
• An onboarding flow will be introduced to help users learn more about and enable third-party chat on WhatsApp and Messenger.
• Users can set up a designated folder for third-party messages or choose a unified inbox.
• Group features for third-party chat will be launched in 2025.
• Voice and video calling capabilities will be launched under DMA in 2027.
• Rich messaging features like reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts will be brought to third-party chats on WhatsApp and Messenger in the future.

Technical Barriers and Partnerships

While Meta is working to introduce interoperability features, it is unclear whether other major messaging operators, such as Viber and Telegram, will support these features with WhatsApp and Messenger. WhatsApp requires end-to-end encryption to enable interoperability, which may pose technical barriers. To integrate with Meta’s systems, companies must sign a contract, the details of which were recently disclosed.

Matrix, a messaging platform, has announced that it will be working with WhatsApp on an “experimental” basis while maintaining end-to-end encryption. This partnership may pave the way for other companies to integrate with WhatsApp and Messenger.

Meta’s Compliance with the DMA

Meta is working to meet its obligations under the DMA’s messaging provisions. However, the company has been accused of violating other components of the DMA. The European Commission has stated that Meta’s “pay or consent” advertising model is not DMA compliant. Meta must address these concerns to ensure full compliance with the DMA.