Meta has recently detailed How WhatsApp will connect with other messaging apps following the entry into force of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Interoperability affects not only WhatsApp but also Messenger and responds to the need to adapt to a new legal environment in the European digital sphere, in which competitiveness and user choice have become essential priorities. Therefore, Meta has developed a series of modifications to comply with the established technical and legal requirements, which we will explain in detail in this article.
What is WhatsApp interoperability and why is it so important?
La interoperability en WhatsApp allows users to send and receive messages, files, images, videos and other content to contacts who use different messaging apps such as Telegram, Signal, iMessage, and others. This represents a historic transformation, as it eliminates the traditional limitation of communication only being possible within the same platform, making it easier to manage conversations from a single app.
The main objective of this regulation is break monopolies of the big technology companies, to guarantee the competition and give users the ability to freely choose which service to use to communicate without losing access to their network of contacts. Applications like WhatsApp have been classified as gatekeepers and are therefore obliged to open up to interoperability.
However, interoperability will not necessarily be reciprocal: applications not considered access gatekeepers (e.g., Telegram or Signal) can choose whether or not to allow two-way communication from their platforms to WhatsApp, which adds complexity to implementation and makes the actual reach dependent on the commitment of each developer.
The Digital Markets Act: context and obligations for Meta
La Digital Markets Law (DMA) The European Union requires that large digital platforms, considered "gatekeepers", modify certain functions to encourage competition between messaging services, forcing Meta (the parent company of WhatsApp and Messenger) to offer interoperability. The goal is to allow users to communicate regardless of the app they use, thus avoiding artificial barriers between platforms and fostering innovation for both end users and developers.
Given this legal framework, Meta has made profound changes to the architecture of WhatsApp and Messenger to ensure that any external service who wants to connect can do so, as long as they meet a series of requirements security, privacy and technical requirementsThe company has published detailed documentation allowing third parties to request integration, a process that can take up to three months to review and approve.
How interoperability will work technically in WhatsApp and Messenger
Interoperability is based on a client-server architecture. WhatsApp and Messenger use the protocol Signal for end-to-end encryption (e2ee), considered the gold standard in privacy. Third-party applications that wish to connect with WhatsApp must implement a equivalent level of encryption and follow a compatible protocol, usually based on XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) adapted by Meta to ensure the security of the exchanged data.
The process for an interoperable external application to work involves:
- The interested app must request access and be validated by Meta, meeting technical and legal requirements.
- Develop a secure communication bridge that allows the exchange of messages, files and other content, while maintaining E2EE encryption.
- Integrate WhatsApp's push notification system so that messages from any platform reach users in real time.
- Manage your inbox separately, allowing you to separate third-party chats from internal WhatsApp or Messenger chats if you so choose.
Meta He added that the application process is open, but the response could take around three months. Furthermore, Connected apps will use their own messaging protocols, but they will have to adapt to interact with WhatsApp or Messenger servers.
How third-party chats will be enabled on WhatsApp
WhatsApp has started rolling out the interoperability option in its settings menu, although it is currently only visible in Europe. To activate the third party chats:
- Accede to Settings > Account > Third-Party Chats.
- Enable interoperability and review the security warnings provided.
- Choose which third-party apps you want to enable to send and receive messages (where available).
Once activated, the WhatsApp inbox will show chats from other applications in a separate section, allowing you to manage, respond to, or block contacts from different platforms. Users can change these preferences at any time, consolidating all messages or separating them by app to maintain control.
Interoperability phases and limits: what functions will be available and when
WhatsApp interoperability will be rolled out in several successive phases to ensure a safe and controlled integration. According to Meta and the DMA, the approximate timeline is as follows:
- First phase: Sending and receiving text messages, images, videos, and files between individual users of WhatsApp and other compatible applications.
- Second stage (estimated timeframe of one to two years from start): Integration of group messaging across different messaging apps, allowing group chats to be truly cross-platform.
- Third phase (estimated timeframe of three to four years): Incorporation of calls and video calls, both individual and group, connecting users through different services without leaving their preferred platform.
From the beginning, interoperability is OptionalThe user can activate or deactivate it according to their needs and preferences, with the peace of mind that they can always reverse the decision. Additionally, Meta plans to add advanced features, such as reactions, direct replies, and read receipts in third-party chats, as the phases progress.
Advantages of WhatsApp interoperability with messaging apps
The main advantages of this new interoperability are:
- Freedom of communication: Users don't need to install multiple apps to talk to their contacts, concentrating all their conversations on WhatsApp if they prefer.
- Greater competition and diversity: Facilitates the entry of new services into the market, allowing other apps to gain users without forcing them to migrate.
- Privacy & Security Strengthened: End-to-end encryption will be mandatory for all connected messages and services, bringing the security level of WhatsApp and Messenger up to par with that of the linked apps.
- Better management and customization: Options to sort, separate, and organize chats from different platforms in your inbox.
Challenges and risks of interoperability in WhatsApp and Messenger
Despite the advantages, interoperability also implies technical, legal and security challenges which must be taken into account:
- E2EE encryption integration between platforms with different protocols may require intermediate bridges that could become targets of attacks.
- User identification It is complex, as WhatsApp uses phone numbers, while other apps may use usernames, emails, or alphanumeric identifiers, making automatic matching difficult and facilitating impersonation attempts.
- El Spam, phishing, and cyberthreats may increase, as anti-spam techniques will have to be coordinated across different platforms and companies, making real-time blocking and moderation more difficult.
- The privacy concerns multiply: when connecting different services, some metadata could be shared between companies (example: if you use Skype to talk to WhatsApp, some data will also be passed to Meta).
- Enabling interoperability could allow users blocked on WhatsApp to contact users again through other apps, which requires considering new cross-platform blocking strategies.
- Some advanced features (stickers, temporary messages, reactions) may not be available cross-platform initially.
Therefore, Meta and interested app developers must work together to ensure that the experience is positive, secure, and seamless for the end user.
Requirements for third-party apps: How to integrate with WhatsApp and Messenger
For a third-party app to interoperate with WhatsApp or Messenger, it must meet the following requirements:
- Officially request integration and receive approval from Meta, which will evaluate both the technical and legal aspects.
- Implement end-to-end encryption equal to or greater than WhatsApp, guaranteeing the security of communications.
- Have the necessary resources to manage push notifications from WhatsApp servers.
- Ensure the protection of personal information and responsible data management, avoiding vulnerabilities.
- Demonstrate technical expertise in instant messaging management, as well as security equipment robust enough to prevent attacks and fraud.
Meta has made a form and comprehensive documentation (including technical guides up to 23 pages) available to developers to facilitate the process, although it warns that it will require a significant investment of time and resources, so only apps with medium- to large-scale teams will be able to meet the required standards.
Privacy and security: What guarantees does WhatsApp offer for cross-messaging?
The company assures that Personal messages and calls will remain end-to-end encrypted Even in conversations with third parties, which means that neither WhatsApp, Messenger, nor any external or intermediary app will be able to read your content. The commitment to privacy is maximum, although Meta warns that some security features, as well as the scope of parental control or anti-spam services and tools, may not exactly match those offered in native WhatsApp chats.
Users will receive clear warnings When enabling interoperability, users will be informed about the differences in encryption, data management, spam potential, and functionality limitations, so they can make fully informed decisions. Additionally, WhatsApp will not share users' names or profile pictures with external apps, although it will be necessary to share their phone number to authenticate their identity across platforms.
Configuration possibilities and user experience
Among the main new features of the interoperable experience, users will be able to:
- Choosing which third-party apps to receive messages from.
- Decide whether third-party chats appear in a separate folder or are integrated into the main inbox.
- Change interoperability settings at any time, enabling or disabling already linked services.
- View chat-specific security warnings and block unwanted communications.
- Receive updates about the availability of new compatible apps and updates to our privacy policies or terms of service.
Meta plans to continue introducing improvements to notification management, conversation personalization, and moderation tools to optimize the experience as the number of interoperable services and user volume increases.
Which apps are (or will be) compatible with WhatsApp interoperability?
Interoperability depends not only on WhatsApp and Messenger, but also on the availability of other apps. For now:
- Telegram y Signal They have the necessary technology but are not required to join unless they choose to do so, and they have not announced an official opening date.
- iMessage (Apple) is considering integration but has concerns about reciprocity and access to advanced features.
- Other apps like Skype, Matrix, Viber or Threema have shown varying levels of interest or concern, especially regarding privacy, encryption, and competitive advantage.
- For interoperability, the third-party app must commit to meeting technical and legal requirements and sign agreements with Meta; otherwise, it will not be listed as an option for users.
In any case, the list of interoperable apps will evolve over time, depending on market demand and the technological evolution of each platform.
Tips and recommendations for users: How to protect your security when using interoperability in WhatsApp
If you decide to take advantage of interoperability, consider these points to maintain your privacy and security:
- Only activate the apps you really need and whose contacts you have a high level of trust with.
- Be especially cautious when receiving messages from unknown users or from apps where the identification system is different (for example, usernames instead of phone numbers).
- Verify the identity of your interlocutors in case of doubt to avoid impersonation.
- Always use official versions of apps and avoid installing modifications or dubious apps that promise advanced interoperability features, as they may contain malware.
- Keep your privacy settings up to date and regularly review permissions and suspicious activity on your accounts.
- Consider not enabling interoperability for privacy-oriented services unless it's absolutely necessary and you understand the associated risks.
The interoperability of WhatsApp and Messenger, mandated by the DMA, inaugurates a new era in digital communication. Although the rollout will be gradual and require adjustments, it is expected to pave the way for a more open, transparent, and competitive ecosystem, in which users can freely choose with whom and how they communicate without being limited to a single application. This measure could inspire other markets outside of Europe and mark a global trend toward interoperability, fostering innovation and technological advancement.
With the implementation of interoperability, WhatsApp, Messenger, and other apps open up a range of possibilities for users to manage all their communications from a single location, with high standards of privacy and security. Despite the technical challenges and differences between platforms, this evolution represents a milestone in instant messaging, propelling the industry toward truly universal and personalized communication.