In a significant step towards compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, Meta is rolling out a major update for WhatsApp and Messenger in Europe. This update introduces the ability for users to connect seamlessly with individuals using third-party messaging services, a feature known as third-party chats.
Expanding Connectivity with Third-Party Chats
On September 6, Meta announced this exciting new feature, highlighting the extensive research and user feedback that has shaped its development. Over the past few months, the company has diligently gathered insights from users to understand what matters most when it comes to third-party chat integration.
“As a result, we have built new notifications into WhatsApp and Messenger that inform users about third-party chats,” Meta’s post reveals. “We will remind users each time a new third-party messaging app becomes available, ensuring they are always in the loop.”
Simplified Onboarding and Customization
To make the transition smooth and intuitive, Meta has designed a straightforward onboarding process. Users can easily learn about third-party chats and activate the feature with just a few clicks. The onboarding experience also offers customization options, allowing users to decide which third-party apps they want to receive messages from and how they prefer to manage their inbox.
One of the standout features of this update is the flexibility it offers in message delivery. Users can choose to have their third-party messages delivered to a separate folder, their current inbox, or even a combination of both. This level of personalization ensures that users can tailor their messaging experience to suit their preferences.
Enhanced Features for a Seamless Experience
In addition to basic messaging capabilities, Meta is rolling out a suite of enhanced features to make third-party chats feel just as robust as native ones. Users will enjoy reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts, creating a cohesive and familiar messaging environment.
Looking ahead, Meta has ambitious plans to further expand the functionality of third-party chats. By 2027, users can expect to see options for creating groups, as well as voice and video calling, fully integrated into third-party chats.
A Commitment to Privacy and Security
Meta acknowledges the technical challenges of building third-party chat integration while maintaining the high standards of privacy and security that users expect. “As discussed in more detail in our previous blog, building third-party chats is technically challenging and preserving privacy and security is a shared responsibility,” the post emphasizes. “We have already come a long way, but there is a lot more to build.”
This update marks a significant milestone in Meta’s journey towards a more open and interconnected digital ecosystem. As the company continues to innovate and expand the capabilities of WhatsApp and Messenger, users in Europe can look forward to even greater flexibility and control over their messaging experiences.
