Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is set to introduce cross-platform messaging capabilities, enabling users from different messaging services to communicate with each other. This new feature, which will be optional for users, aims to enhance connectivity while minimizing the risk of spam across various platforms. The announcement comes ahead of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) deadline on March 6.
As confirmed by WhatsApp Engineering Director Dick Brouwer in an interview with Wired, the forthcoming interoperability will allow users to send messages and attachments across platforms. Users will notice a new “Third Party Chats” section at the top of their conversation list, which will distinguish messages from other platforms while maintaining the encryption features of WhatsApp.
To connect with WhatsApp users, other messaging platforms must utilize the open-source Signal Protocol for encrypted communications. These platforms will work in conjunction with WhatsApp’s infrastructure to facilitate the sending and receiving of messages. Brouwer stated that WhatsApp is documenting its client-server protocol, which will enable other services to link directly with WhatsApp’s servers.
If third-party companies choose not to follow these guidelines, they must demonstrate that their encryption methods align with WhatsApp’s security standards. Alternatively, they could resort to a less secure “proxy” approach for communication. It remains unclear which popular messaging platforms have partnered with WhatsApp to implement this new functionality.
However, the report clarifies that standard SMS messaging will not be included in this new feature. Additionally, WhatsApp will not support voice calls or group chats across different chat services this year. Brouwer noted that updates for individual WhatsApp chats may be developed at a different pace compared to those for third-party chats. Users will also need to opt-in to receive messages from other platforms to mitigate spam and fraudulent communications.
A feature tracker had previously noted the development of the third-party chat interface, yet WhatsApp has not provided a timeline for the release of this support. With the DMA deadline approaching, there is limited time for WhatsApp to deploy this feature, particularly in the EU. More information regarding third-party chat capabilities is anticipated in the coming weeks.
