Meta Platforms Inc. (META) has taken a significant step towards complying with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) by enabling interoperability between its messaging services, WhatsApp and Messenger, with third-party messaging apps. This move represents a crucial development in the evolving landscape of online communication within the EU.
In response to the DMA’s requirements, Meta has integrated third-party chat features into both WhatsApp and Messenger for users in Europe. This allows users to connect with individuals who are using other interoperable messaging services, promoting a more unified communication environment.
Meta has further enhanced the user experience by introducing notifications within WhatsApp and Messenger that inform users about the availability of third-party chats. The company has also developed a user-friendly onboarding process that allows users to easily select and manage third-party apps. Users have the flexibility to choose whether they want to separate or combine chats from different platforms, optimizing their communication preferences.
Meta has gone beyond the basic interoperability requirements by incorporating rich messaging features such as reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts into its platforms. This aims to provide a seamless and familiar communication experience for users regardless of the messaging service they are interacting with.
Looking ahead, Meta plans to continue expanding the functionality of interoperable messaging. In 2025, the company aims to introduce support for group chats, allowing users to engage in group conversations with individuals on different messaging platforms. By 2027, Meta plans to add voice and video calling capabilities, further enhancing the interoperability experience and bridging communication gaps across different platforms.
While Meta has made significant progress, the company acknowledges the inherent technical complexities involved in ensuring privacy and security for third-party chats. Meta emphasizes that maintaining these critical standards is a shared responsibility between itself and the third-party services that choose to interoperate with its platforms.
This move by Meta represents a significant shift in the way messaging platforms operate within the EU. It demonstrates Meta’s commitment to aligning with regulatory requirements while striving to provide a seamless and secure user experience. However, the ambitious timeline and gradual rollout of features suggest that full interoperability will take years to materialize.
Meta Platforms shares closed down by 3.21% at $500.27 according to Benzinga Pro.
