As required by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), people using WhatsApp and Messenger in Europe now have the option to connect with users on third-party messaging services that have chosen to make their apps interoperable. This feature is referred to as third-party chats.

When the DMA came into force earlier this year, technical details were provided on how third-party chats would be implemented while preserving user privacy and security. After six months of development, including new features and feedback from stakeholders, an update on what third-party chats will look like on WhatsApp and Messenger has been shared.

To ensure ease of use, notifications have been built into WhatsApp and Messenger to inform users about third-party chats. Users will be reminded each time a new third-party messaging app becomes available. A simple onboarding flow has also been designed where users can learn more about third-party chats and enable the feature. Options include selecting which third-party apps they want to receive messages from and managing their inbox preferences.

Users are given the choice to keep third-party chats separate from their current inbox or combine all chats in a single inbox. Settings can be changed at any time.

In addition to basic interoperable messaging features required by the DMA, rich messaging features such as reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts will be provided. In accordance with the DMA, group creation options will be available in 2025, followed by voice and video calling in 2027.

Building third-party chats is technically challenging, with privacy and security being a shared responsibility. Continued collaboration with third-party messaging services aims to provide a safe and positive user experience. Users will see the third-party chat option once a service has built, tested, and launched the necessary technology.

More information about third-party chats on WhatsApp and Messenger is forthcoming.

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