A few months ago, reports from WABetaInfo hinted at WhatsApp testing cross-platform communication. Following this, Apple confirmed RCS messaging support for iPhones, setting the stage for interesting developments. Now, a recent Wired report sheds light on how WhatsApp’s interoperability with other apps will function.
The report references the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations, which identified Meta as one of six gatekeeper companies. Meta was given six months to comply with these regulations and enable interoperability within its platform.
In an interview with Wired, Dick Brouwer, WhatsApp’s engineering director, shared key details about the interoperability mechanism. Brouwer revealed that this feature will be opt-in, allowing users to choose whether to participate.
One of the key requirements for this feature, and it’s crucial, is that users must opt in. Users can choose whether or not they want to participate in exchanging messages with third parties. This is important to prevent potential spam and scams. – Brouwer
Once you choose to participate, messages from these third-party applications will be displayed in a dedicated tab within the WhatsApp app. A previous report from WABetaInfo in January gave us an idea of where this tab would be located in the mobile app.
Ensuring the same level of privacy and security for these third-party chats poses a significant challenge. The report indicates that WhatsApp will permit the use of different encryption standards by these third-party apps only if they adhere to WhatsApp’s security standards.
However, integrating interoperable chats with third-party apps is not without its challenges. It opens up the potential for increased spam and scams. Bouwer also notes that interoperability will evolve gradually, as it is “harder to evolve an open network.“
It seems that the interoperable chats feature on WhatsApp is well underway, and we can expect to see it rolled out soon. Although no specific dates have been revealed yet.
What are your thoughts on interoperability with WhatsApp? Do you think it’s a good idea? Let us know in the comments below!
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