Meta-owned messaging giant WhatsApp is set to begin support for third-party chats. The WhatsApp beta tracking website has spotted the third-party chat interoperability feature in a new beta version, revealing more details about the feature. Check out the details.
WhatsApp Third-Party Chat Interoperability
The feature has appeared in the WhatsApp beta for Android, version number 2.24.5.18. It is revealed that the chats with third-party apps will be listed in a different inbox within the chat tab, as the end-to-end encryption will be different for other apps.
The screenshot shared by the publication reveals that WhatsApp will advise users to take care of the increased spam and scam messages. WhatsApp will also caution users about the differences in data storage policies of other apps. Have a look at it below.
It is said that the forthcoming interoperability feature is not ready for beta testers. However, WhatsApp will soon allow users to turn on support for third-party chat interoperability.
The third-party chat interoperability functionality was recently confirmed by WhatsApp’s engineering director, Dick Brouwer. The feature will allow users to message other users who do not use WhatsApp and help keep all chats in one place. This will include text messaging, sending images, voice messages, videos, and files. It is revealed that people will get an option to choose the third-party app support option.
But Why Is This Happening
For those who don’t know, WhatsApp’s cross-platform communication feature will help Meta comply with the EU’s Digital Market Act (DMA). This requires various tech giants (including Meta) to open up their ecosystems for others to reduce the influence of large tech companies in the market.
WhatsApp is required by law to provide third-party chat interoperability for its users in the European region this month. It remains to be seen if this reaches in other markets, including India and how this feature shapes up. We will bring you all the information once something official is out, so, stay tuned.
