First beta users can test third-party chats in WhatsApp
WhatsApp is letting first beta users test chat with third-party apps. However, only one messenger is currently supported.
WhatsApp app on smartphone
(Image: PixieMe/Shutterstock.com)
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires Meta to open up WhatsApp to other messengers. The company has been working on this feature for several years, and now WhatsApp has integrated a corresponding feature called "Third-party chats" for first users of beta version 2.25.33.8 for Android and version 25.32.10.72 for iOS in TestFlight to try out.
Third-party chat integration is getting closer
According to WABetaInfo, the feature is not offered to all users of the Android and iOS beta of WhatsApp, but only a few selected users get a first glimpse. The feature is intended to enable users of different platforms to participate in conversations on WhatsApp, so that all participants can chat together without having to switch between apps.
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Furthermore, it is said that the WhatsApp function will expand the interoperability required by the EU across individual chats and enable a "unified chat experience across different messaging services." Meta's subsidiary must comply with European interoperability regulations as well as strict data protection and security standards in the development of the feature.
As WABetaInfo further writes, once available, the third-party chat feature will be displayed directly in the app settings in a banner prompting users to activate the feature. The function can also be turned on and off in the settings under Account > Third-party chats.
Initially, the feature is only intended to support individual chats, as Meta announced last year. The interoperable chat will initially only allow the exchange of text messages, images, voice messages, videos, and files between two people. Certain native features such as status updates, stickers, and disappearing messages are not intended for cross-platform chat. Calls and group chats are expected to be added in the coming years. In addition, as WABeta shows in an illustration, third-party chats will either arrive in a separate inbox or, if desired, in a combined inbox.
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Exchange with BirdyChat
The first testers do not yet have a comprehensive range of third-party messengers available. Instead, WhatsApp only offers exchange with the rather unknown app BirdyChat. Messaging app providers interested in WhatsApp integration must sign an agreement with Meta and comply with certain conditions set by WhatsApp. Competitors such as Signal and Threema have already ruled out cooperation. Both companies would rather not participate, among other reasons, for data protection reasons.
The data that WhatsApp collects about users of a third-party app is quite extensive. Although chat content should not be viewable, according to WhatsApp, general location information can be obtained via the IP address, when you were last online, how long you used the service, and other metadata.
Meta has not yet announced when it will open the feature to all users and which messaging competitors will participate at all.
(afl)
