WhatsApp Adding 'Third-Party Chats' to Enable Messaging Between Apps for EU Law

WhatsApp adding new 'Third-Party Chats' feature to allow messaging between different apps, getting ready for EU law.
EU Digital Markets Act requires dominant messaging apps like WhatsApp to enable interoperability between services.
Apple claims iMessage doesn't have enough EU users to qualify, but this seems unlikely given iOS market share.
EU investigating Apple's claim, will require usage stats from Apple to verify.
WhatsApp will preserve end-to-end encryption when messaging between different apps.

9to5mac.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/25/2023

16 WhatsApp Business Features Worth Exploring

WhatsApp Business has introduced several new features in 2023, including business profiles, screen sharing, call scheduling, catalogs, and automated personalized messaging, making it a more viable option for companies and smaller businesses.

9/8/2023

EU Names Apple as Digital 'Gatekeeper' But Doesn't Yet Require iMessage to Support RCS

The EU has listed 22 core platform services that must adhere to the Digital Markets Act, but Apple's iMessage is notably not among them and is temporarily exempt from adopting RCS. However, the EU is launching an investigation into iMessage and Microsoft services to determine their future.

9/11/2023

WhatsApp Beta Adds Feature for Messaging App Interoperability to Comply with EU Rules

WhatsApp is reportedly preparing to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act by introducing a feature that allows interoperability with third-party messaging apps, such as Signal and Telegram, starting in March 2024.

9/13/2023

WhatsApp Rolls Out New Channels Feature in Over 150 Countries

WhatsApp is expanding its Channels feature to over 150 countries, allowing users to receive updates from creators, organizations, and brands in a single channel and introducing new enhancements such as improved directory, emoji reactions, and post editing capabilities.

9/19/2023

WhatsApp Launches iPad App, Syncs Conversations from Your Phone

WhatsApp is developing a beta iPad app that allows users to access messages across multiple Apple devices, similar to the Mac app, but it is still unclear when it will be available to the public.

9/30/2023

WhatsApp Rolls Out New Features Including Channels, iPad Support, Communities, and AI Capabilities

WhatsApp has been busy this month, introducing new features such as Channels, iPad support, a complete redesign, and the incorporation of generative AI, making it a leading competitor among encrypted messengers.

10/6/2023

WhatsApp Testing New Message Formatting and Locked Chat Features in Android Beta

WhatsApp's beta for Android app is testing new features that offer users more control over their locked chats by adding a secret code and providing additional text formatting tools. The secret code feature adds an extra layer of security, while the text formatting tools allow for greater customization of messages.

10/7/2023

WhatsApp Rolls Out New Features: Chat Attachments Menu, Locked Chat Codes, Search, Pinned Messages, and Caller IP Privacy

WhatsApp is reportedly developing new features including a secret code for locked chats, a search feature for updates, pinned messages, a redesigned chat attachment menu, and privacy protection for IP addresses in calls.

Topics

Posted 9/11/2023, 11:03:00 AM