WhatsApp, a subsidiary of Meta, is gearing up to introduce cross-platform messaging, enabling its users to communicate directly with individuals on apps such as Telegram or Signal.
Over the past two years, WhatsApp has been developing a technical solution for this integration while ensuring the preservation of its strict end-to-end encryption standards.
This forthcoming change, offering expanded messaging options, stems partly from external pressure rather than being solely WhatsApp’s initiative. Recent legislation within the European Union classified Meta as a technology “gatekeeper,” compelling WhatsApp to open its communication platform within a six-month deadline.
As the deadline approaches, WhatsApp is outlining how this messaging interoperability will operate. Initially, the focus will be on basic features like exchanging texts, images, videos, voice messages, and files between individuals.
Advanced features such as calls and group chats will be introduced later. Importantly, users must actively opt-in to enable cross-platform messaging to mitigate potential risks of “spam and scams,” as highlighted by Dick Brouwer, an engineering director at WhatsApp.
Users who opt-in will have conversations received from other platforms displayed in a distinct “third-party chats” section within WhatsApp.
Messaging apps seeking to connect with WhatsApp will need to enter into agreements and adhere to Meta’s terms. Consequently, the full implementation of this feature will require time, with detailed plans expected to be unveiled in March.
The overarching goal of interoperability is straightforward: individuals should not have to switch between apps to stay connected with others, regardless of their preferred messaging platform.
Ideally, this initiative could facilitate communication between WhatsApp and platforms like Telegram or Signal, or even iMessage. However, the technical and security hurdles associated with connecting large, encrypted messaging apps are substantial and require careful navigation.