WhatsApp, renowned for its end-to-end encryption messaging service, is reportedly on Technology News of introducing support for messages from third-party applications. A recently leaked image provides an early look at the anticipated interface. Initial indications suggest that this feature may be rolled out exclusively in Europe for the time being. This development aligns with the European Union’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA), set to take effect on March 6, which mandates that the Meta-owned platform incorporate cross-platform messaging capabilities. The launch of this feature is expected ahead of the upcoming deadline.
The leak was highlighted in a WABetaInfo report, detailing WhatsApp’s forthcoming build version 2.24.5.18. This version is intended to introduce a chat interoperability feature that facilitates users in sending messages to contacts on platforms such as Signal, Telegram, and others, all without needing to install those applications. This addition aims to enhance communication accessibility by removing limitations tied to specific platforms.
The leaked screenshot features a header labeled Third-party chats. It appears to be an opt-in screen, which includes a button at the bottom prompting users to Turn on the feature. In the center of the page, several warnings are presented. One cautionary note states, “You’re messaging someone outside of WhatsApp. Third-party apps may use different end-to-end encryption.” Another alert addresses potential increases in spam and scams associated with third-party messaging. The final warning explains, “Third-party apps have their own policies. They may handle your data differently than WhatsApp does.” This feature is being extended to users in Europe to comply with legal requirements.
WhatsApp Engineering Director Dick Brouwer has previously confirmed that the company is actively working on this feature. He noted that these chats will not be protected by WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption and will be displayed separately within the application. Furthermore, WhatsApp is documenting its client-server protocol to allow other messaging services to connect directly with its servers, thereby facilitating cross-platform communications.
If third-party platforms are hesitant to adhere to this protocol, they must ensure their encryption protocols align with WhatsApp’s security standards. However, the report emphasized that various popular messaging services have not yet disclosed whether they plan to collaborate with Meta to support this chat interoperability feature.
