WhatsApp is bringing third-party chats to Europe

Meta is planning to address the EU’s Digital Markets Act’s (DMA’s) requirement to allow European users the option to chat directly using third-party messaging services with a new feature called “third-party chats”.

The company says it has carried out successful small-scale tests over the past months and will now bring its European users the option to chat with users of messaging apps BirdyChat and Haiket directly via third-party chats. WhatsApp owner Meta called the move “a significant milestone” in its compliance with the DMA.

Those users who opt in will be able to share messages, images, voice messages, videos, and files, the company says. There will also be an added feature to create groups with third-party users once Meta’s partners are ready to support it.

The collaboration is a result of years of work with European messaging services and the European Commission to build a DMA-compliant solution to third-party chats.

As always, security and privacy are essential, so the third-party messaging apps must use the same level of end-to-end encryption as WhatsApp. The company adds that it would prefer partners to use the Signal Protocol, however, any compatible protocol will be allowed as long as it can guarantee the same level of security as Signal.

But be aware that if you block a user on WhatsApp, they might still be able to message you from third-party messaging services you've enabled. Meta also warns that scams and spam might be more common when messaging with third-party apps, so you should make sure you know the person you’re talking to before sharing any sensitive information. Additionally, third-party apps might be handling your data differently under their separate Security and Data Protection policies.

Meta claims to offer users a smooth onboarding experience, clearly explaining the differences between chats on WhatsApp and third-party chats.

The feature is optional and can be turned off at any time. European users will soon see a notification in the Settings tab on WhatsApp, explaining how to set it up.

Note that if you change your phone number to one registered in a region not covered by the DMA, you won’t be able to use the feature. It will also only be available on iPhone and Android, meaning that tablet, web, or desktop are not covered.

Earlier in October, it was revealed that Meta will start using your interactions with its AI features to feed you ads. Certain conversations, however, are off limits, including those about politics, sexual orientation, religion, health, racial or ethnic origin.