WhatsApp might be adding support for third-party chats

Leaker website WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp is developing support for third-party chats in an upcoming version of the messaging app. The website provides a screenshot of a new section in the beta version of the app, although it is mostly empty. The section is titled “Third-party chats,” suggesting that the feature is still in progress.

This development seems to be a response by WhatsApp owner Meta to comply with the European Union’s (EU) Digital Markets Act (DMA), which categorizes the company as a “Gatekeeper” and imposes several obligations.

An obligation under the DMA is to enable interoperability between messaging services upon request by non-gatekeeper apps.

WABetaInfo’s report does not provide details on how this feature will function. However, the EU’s DMA mandates offering “basic functionalities,” including text messages, group text messages, and audio and video calls between messaging services, within specific time frames.

The Act specifies that text messages between users must be operational within six months (by March 2024), while group messages should be added within two years. Audio and video calls have a slightly longer time frame, requiring implementation within four years.

As of now, there have been no announcements regarding which messaging services, if any, have requested interoperability with WhatsApp.

Currently, the only other messaging service classified as a gatekeeper is Meta’s Messenger.

Non-compliant companies under this designation may face fines up to 10% of their global revenue, which can increase up to 20% for repeated violations.