WhatsApp is reportedly gearing up to introduce a new feature that would enable its users to exchange messages with third-party apps like Signal and Telegram. This development comes in response to Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates large companies to facilitate communication between different messaging platforms within six months. According to a report by WABetaInfo, this interoperability feature has been spotted in the beta version 2.24.5.18 of WhatsApp.
The upcoming feature allows users to control the sharing of their messages with external services. They will have the ability to select which third-party apps they trust and can opt out of the interoperability service whenever they want. Once users disable this feature, they will no longer be able to send or receive messages on third-party apps, and their chats will transition to read-only mode within WhatsApp until they choose to delete them.
Although the feature is still under development, WhatsApp has not disclosed a specific release timeline yet. However, Dick Brouwer, an engineering director at WhatsApp, confirmed to Wired magazine that the chat interoperability feature will be rolled out soon to comply with the EU’s DMA regulations. Initially, the feature will focus on enabling the exchange of messages, media files, and documents, with plans to include calls and group chats in the future.
In addition to the interoperability feature, WhatsApp has recently introduced a new ‘Search by Date’ feature for Android users. This functionality allows users to search for messages, media files, or documents by entering the date they were sent. It simplifies the process of navigating through numerous chats to find specific messages. While the search-by-date feature is currently rolling out for Android users, it is already available on iOS, Mac, and WhatsApp web platforms.
The introduction of interoperability between WhatsApp and third-party apps marks a significant step toward enhancing user convenience and privacy. By allowing users to choose which apps they trust and control the sharing of their data, WhatsApp aims to comply with regulatory requirements while ensuring user autonomy. Moreover, the new search-by-date feature further improves the messaging experience by facilitating easier access to past conversations and media files.
WhatsApp’s commitment to continuously enhancing its platform reflects its dedication to meeting user expectations and regulatory standards. As the interoperability feature is finalized and rolled out, users can expect a more seamless messaging experience across different platforms, fostering greater connectivity and communication flexibility.
