With the new EU openness regulations coming close, and after designating WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger as “gatekeeper services,” requiring them to connect with other messaging apps. While details were previously hazy, WhatsApp engineering director Dick Brouwer has shed light on how this cross-app messaging will function.
Firstly, interoperability is optional. To prioritize user control and prevent spam, WhatsApp users choose to opt-in. Those who do will see a separate “third-party chats” inbox, acknowledging that security and privacy standards might differ from native messages.
Apps seeking interoperability need to agree to Meta’s terms and ideally use the Signal encryption protocol, mirroring WhatsApp’s own approach. Interestingly, accessing messages from third-party apps still requires connecting to WhatsApp’s servers, though alternative protocols or proxy connections (with some security trade-offs) are possible.
However, be prepared for a slower feature rollout for these interoperable chats. Brouwer acknowledges the challenges of “evolving an open network” and sees them progressing at a different pace than traditional WhatsApp features.
In essence, EU regulations are pushing for a more connected messaging landscape. While WhatsApp prioritizes user control and security, navigating this new terrain introduces complexities and necessitates a gradual, measured approach.
