On Friday, Meta published an update on how it plans to follow the Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules, a European law that aims to promote competition in apps and online services. This law affects Meta’s messaging apps, WhatsApp and Messenger.
Meta said it will add notifications in WhatsApp and Messenger to tell users about new messaging apps they can connect with. Users will get an alert when another app that works with WhatsApp and Messenger is ready.
Meta is also making it easier for people to switch on connections to other messaging apps. In WhatsApp and Messenger, users can learn more about messaging with other apps and choose to see those messages combined with their regular chats or in a separate folder.
In 2025, Meta will update WhatsApp and Messenger so groups can include people using other messaging apps. Then in 2027, calling features like voice and video calls between apps will become available.
Over time, Meta plans to bring more shared features to chats between apps, like reactions, replying directly to messages, seeing when someone is typing, and checking when messages are read.
Meta said “We will keep collaborating with other messaging services to provide the best and safest experience. Users will start to see the option for third-party chats when an app has created a way to connect that is helpful and secure.”
The changes aim to follow the DMA law but it is unsure if apps like Viber and Telegram will connect with WhatsApp. WhatsApp also requires encryption, which could make connecting apps technically difficult. Companies also must agree to Meta’s rules for integrating apps.
