WhatsApp Third-Party Chat Support Arrives in EU Following Digital Markets Act

WhatsApp is preparing to launch third-party chat support for users across the European Union. This move is a direct response to new regulations under the bloc’s Digital Markets Act. The feature will allow WhatsApp users to communicate with people on other messaging apps.

Parent company Meta confirmed the rollout after successful testing. The first supported third-party apps will be BirdyChat and Haiket. This interoperability is a landmark shift for the world’s largest messaging platform.

How Cross-App Messaging Will Work for Users

The new feature will be available on both iOS and Android. Users who opt-in will be able to exchange messages, photos, and videos. They can also share voice messages and files with contacts on other apps.

Group chats with third-party app users will be possible in the future. This functionality will roll out once partner apps are ready to support it. The initial interoperability appears focused on mobile devices, not desktop.

Security and Privacy Remain a Top Priority

Meta has emphasized its commitment to user security. According to Reuters, all third-party apps must use the same robust end-to-end encryption as WhatsApp. This is a non-negotiable requirement for any integration.

The company spent over three years developing this solution with European partners. The goal was to meet legal requirements while protecting privacy. The European Commission closely monitored the entire process.

Users will see a clear notification in their Settings tab when the feature is ready. They can then choose to activate third-party chats. The onboarding process is designed to be simple and informative.

This interoperability is currently exclusive to the European Region. It represents one of the most significant changes to digital communication in recent years. The landscape of messaging is fundamentally shifting.

The introduction of WhatsApp third-party chat support marks a new era for digital communication in Europe. This long-awaited feature finally bridges the gap between different messaging platforms while upholding strict security standards for all users.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Digital Markets Act?

The Digital Markets Act is a landmark EU law designed to ensure fair competition. It targets large tech companies, known as “gatekeepers.” The law requires them to make their services more interoperable.

Which apps will work with WhatsApp first?

The first supported apps are BirdyChat and Haiket. These European messaging services participated in extensive testing. More apps are expected to be added over time.

Is cross-app messaging secure?

Meta insists that all chats will remain end-to-end encrypted. Third-party apps must use the same encryption standard as WhatsApp. This is a core requirement for any partnership.

Do I have to use this new feature?

No, the feature is entirely optional. Users must actively choose to enable third-party chats. The default setting will keep your WhatsApp experience as it is now.

When will this be available?

The rollout will begin in the coming months. European users will see a notification in their app when it’s ready. The full implementation will be a gradual process.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, European Commission, Meta Newsroom