Meta has announced plans to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to foster competition in the digital market. In a recent report released on Friday, the company outlined how it will integrate its messaging apps, WhatsApp and Messenger, with third-party services, offering users more choices and enhanced interoperability.
The DMA requires Meta to provide an option within WhatsApp and Messenger that allows users to connect with interoperable third-party messaging services and applications. In a blog post, Meta explained that it is developing a notification feature to inform users about these third-party integrations and will alert users when new compatible third-party messaging apps become available.
As part of the compliance process, Meta will introduce a welcome screen in WhatsApp and Messenger where users can learn more about third-party chatting and enable the feature. Users will have the option to set up a designated folder for third-party messages or choose to merge their inboxes.
Starting in 2025, Meta plans to roll out third-party group chat features, followed by voice and video calling capabilities by 2027, in line with DMA regulations. The company also hinted at introducing rich messaging features for third-party chats at an unspecified future date. These features include reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts.
We will continue to work with third-party messaging services to provide the safest and best experience, Meta stated in the post. Users will begin to see third-party chat options as third-party messaging services build, test, and launch the necessary technology to make this a positive and secure user experience.
However, the upcoming interoperability features for WhatsApp and Messenger may not be universally adopted. As previously reported, it remains unclear whether other major messaging operators like Viber and Telegram will support these functionalities. WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption requirement for interoperability may also pose a technical challenge. Additionally, Meta is asking companies to sign agreements before integrating with its systems, but the details of these agreements have not been disclosed.
Matthew Hodgson, the founder of the open-source communication protocol Matrix, mentioned in a speech earlier this year that Matrix is working with WhatsApp to experiment with end-to-end encryption.
While Meta is attempting to fulfill its obligations under the DMA’s messaging-related provisions, the company has faced criticism for potentially violating other aspects of the legislation. This summer, the European Commission stated that Meta’s pay or agree advertising model, which offers Facebook and Instagram users in the EU a choice between a paid, ad-free experience or a free, ad-supported version, does not comply with the DMA.
The DMA aims to regulate large technology companies and ensure fair competition in the digital market. By requiring interoperability between messaging services, the EU hopes to prevent monopolistic practices and give users more control over their data and communication choices.
Meta’s move to open up WhatsApp and Messenger to third-party integrations is a significant step towards compliance with the DMA. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the cooperation of other messaging service providers and the ability to overcome technical and legal challenges.
As Meta continues to navigate the evolving landscape of digital regulations, the company’s efforts to comply with the DMA will likely shape the future of messaging interoperability and competition in the European market. Users, on the other hand, await the implementation of these new features, hopeful for a more connected and versatile messaging experience.
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