WhatsApp and Interoperability: A Complete Guide, Benefits, Challenges, and How It Works in Europe

For many years, users of WhatsApp and other instant messaging apps have been limited to communicating only within the same platform. This situation has generated dependence on a single application, making it difficult to manage contacts who use different services and forcing the user to maintain multiple apps installed. However, the digital messaging landscape in Europe is undergoing a revolutionary transformation thanks to the arrival of the new Digital Markets Law (DMA). From its app, WhatsApp and other major messaging apps must offer interoperability, which will allow any user to communicate directly between different messaging platforms, without needing to be registered on all of them.

The beginning of a new ecosystem: Why is interoperability essential in the digital world?

Interoperability between messaging applications responds to the need to regulate the power of the big tech giants that operate as gateways to essential digital services. The European Commission, through the DMA, seeks to create a more competitive, fair, and transparent digital environment, preventing a few companies from dominating access to information and communications for millions of people and businesses.

Companies designated as gatekeepers (gatekeepers) are required to comply with these requirements within a defined period and to submit to regular compliance reports and audits. Failure to comply may result in fines of up to 10% of their global annual turnover, and even up to 20% in the case of a repeat offender. This continuous surveillance has led to a total restructuring of the European digital sector, placing the user at the center and limiting the concentration of power.

This regulation not only impacts the technological aspect, but also establishes a new way of understanding the freedom, security and user control over their digital experience.

Companies and services required to be interoperable: Who are the gatekeepers?

The DMA identifies six major technology companies as primarily responsible for opening up their ecosystems:

• A (Google)
• Amazon
• Apple
• ByteDance (TikTok)
• Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger)
• ecosystem

These companies control a total of 22 essential digital services in Europe. Among those regulated are browsers, social networks, marketplaces, mobile operating systems, and, of course, instant messaging applications like WhatsApp, Messenger or Facebook.

• WhatsApp
• Messenger
• Facebook
• Social media coordinator
• TikTok
• LinkedIn
• Google Maps
• Google Play
• Google Shopping
• Amazon Marketplace
• App Store
• Meta Marketplace
• Google Ads
• amazon ads
• MetaAds
• Chrome browser
• Safari browser
• Android operating system
• IOS operating system
• Windows PC OS operating system
• WhatsApp
• Messenger
• YouTube
• Google search service

This represents the largest regulatory restructuring of the digital sector in Europe, and requires tech giants open their infrastructures so that other apps can interoperate, thus promoting a more open and competitive market.

Application Interoperability: What Does It Really Mean and How Will It Work?

La interoperability between apps This means that users will be able to send and receive text messages, images, videos, files, and voice notes across different instant messaging platforms without being restricted by a specific brand or company. For example, a WhatsApp user will be able to communicate directly with another user who only uses Telegram, Signal, Messenger, iMessage, and even Matrix, as long as both platforms are compatible and willing to adopt the protocols stipulated by the DMA.

However, interoperability is subject to various technical and security conditions. The progress will be implemented in phases and is currently focused primarily on the following areas:

• Text messages, images, videos and files: Users will be able to exchange this type of content between apps from different providers.
• Third-party chats: WhatsApp will introduce a dedicated section for conversations from other messaging apps, separating traditional user communications from external accounts.
• Privacy & SecurityEnd-to-end encryption will be maintained, provided the third-party messaging app implements a level of security comparable to the Signal protocol used by WhatsApp (E2EE Signal). If the provider uses a different protocol, they must demonstrate equivalent guarantees.
• Advanced functionsMessage reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts will be available in chats with third-party apps.

Interoperability will always be optional for the user and can be activated or deactivated from the WhatsApp app settings. Additionally, users can choose which third-party apps they receive messages from and whether they want to keep these conversations in a separate inbox or combine them with regular chats.

Related article:

The best anonymous chat apps for Android: privacy, freedom, and new connections

Steps to enable interoperability on WhatsApp

The activation of chats with external applications on WhatsApp It's a simple process that improves the user experience, allowing you to manage multiple conversations without switching apps. To enable interoperability, simply follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
2. Go to the section Account.
3. Select option Third-party chat.
4. Enables interoperability with other messaging apps.

Once this feature is activated, Messages from other apps will appear in the inbox designated as “third-party chats.”From there, you can manage your preferences, block or allow communications, and decide whether you want to merge or separate inboxes.

Important note: This feature is available exclusively for users located in the European Union, in compliance with the DMA.

Technical operation and initial limitations of interoperability

The challenge of interoperability is not only regulatory, but also technical and security-related. For WhatsApp and other apps to communicate with each other securely, Meta requires third-party applications to implement end-to-end encryption (E2EE) with a level of protection comparable to WhatsApp. It is recommended to use the signal-protocol, although other protocols are accepted as long as equivalent security is justified.

Initially, interoperability will focus on:

• Individual messages between two users
• Sharing files, images and videos
• No initial support for calls or group chats, which will be included in future phases

Cross-platform identification This is another challenge to overcome, as WhatsApp uses phone numbers as an identifier, while other services rely on usernames, emails, or unique IDs. This difference makes it difficult to automatically search for and connect with contacts and can increase the risk of identity theft if not managed with extreme care.

Interoperability is not enabled by default: the user must explicitly opt in through their settings. Furthermore, each third-party messaging service will be responsible for requesting interoperability and developing the necessary technological bridges to connect their systems with WhatsApp.

Which services will WhatsApp be compatible with? Expectations and realities

In theory, you could chat from WhatsApp with users of Telegram, Signal, Facebook Messenger, Matrix, and even iMessage or Skype, provided these services decide to implement interoperability under Meta's technical requirements. However, the reality is more nuanced:

• Signal y Skype or Whatsapp (in private conversations) use the Signal protocol, so integration could be easier, although they have not yet announced formal support.
• Telegram It has a mixed encryption architecture and does not use the Signal protocol by default, which complicates interoperability and poses security challenges.
• Matrix has shown technical and philosophical interest in integration, but it requires complex adaptation.
• iMessage, Viber, Threema and other services have their own encryption and diverse stances on privacy, making interoperability unlikely in the short term unless they adapt to WhatsApp's requirements.

En general, DMA adoption depends on the interest and resources of external platformsFor now, interoperability will be most visible between Meta services (WhatsApp and Messenger), but more applications are expected to gradually join the interoperable ecosystem.

Benefits for users: Why is interoperability important?

The advantages of interoperability between messaging applications are especially significant:

• Greater freedom and flexibilityUsers are no longer tied to a single platform and can communicate freely with any contact, regardless of the app they use.
• Reduction of monopolies: Limits the power and network effect of tech giants, balancing competition and encouraging innovation.
• Simplified user experienceBy managing all your messages from a single app, you eliminate the need to install, maintain, and switch between multiple services.
• Better integration of functions: Through smart notifications, typing indicators, read receipts, and the ability to block or authorize third-party apps, the user retains control and privacy.

Looking to create a open and secure digital ecosystem where interoperability is the norm and not the exception.

Risks and challenges of app interoperability

While interoperability brings many benefits, it also opens the door to new security and privacy challenges:

• Complexity of cross-platform encryptionMaintaining end-to-end encryption when messages pass between apps with different protocols is a major technical challenge. In some cases, a intermediary server (bridge) that converts messages and data between protocols, which implies potential vulnerabilities (e.g., MITM attacks, spoofing, or loss of anonymity).
• Risk of spam and phishingOpening up to third-party apps can facilitate the arrival of unwanted messages, scam attempts, and malicious content. Although WhatsApp incorporates anti-spam barriers, their effectiveness with external messages remains to be determined.
• Privacy and metadata collection: Sending or receiving messages from other apps may involve the exchange of certain metadata between platforms, which could lead to user deanonymization.
• Difficulties in user identification: Different identification systems (phone number, user, ID) can facilitate impersonation attempts if robust verifications are not established.
• Shared responsibility for content moderation: Now two companies (the originator and the recipient of the message) share the task of moderating messages and removing unauthorized content, which can slow down incident response.

Users are advised to take extreme care caution When enabling interoperability, adjust your privacy settings, don't accept messages from strangers or suspicious apps, and be alert to potential fraud.

How will interoperability affect the user experience on WhatsApp?

The integration of interoperability into WhatsApp will transform the way users manage their conversations:

• The Third-party chats will be displayed in a new tab within WhatsApp, with the option to merge all messages or keep them separate.
• Features like Reactions, direct replies, write indicators, and read receipts will be available, although they may vary depending on the integration achieved between apps.
• Users You may decide to modify your preferences at any time., enable or disable interoperability, and individually manage which apps they want to receive communications from.
• In future phases, interoperability is expected to be expanded to support group chats, voice calls, and video calls between different apps, further expanding the reach of the open digital ecosystem.

The adoption process will be gradual, depending on how and when each external service requests and completes the technical integration. While WhatsApp and Messenger will be ready to support these connections within the stipulated timeframes, Full public availability will depend on the speed of third-party implementation.

When will WhatsApp interoperability be fully functional?

Interoperability has already begun to be rolled out progressively across the European Union, following the European Commission's formal notification to gatekeepers. WhatsApp and Messenger are technically and legally obligated to allow interoperability, and early users can find the option enabled in their settings after updating the app to the latest version.

The full experience, including integration with external apps such as Telegram, Signal, or Matrix, will depend on these applications implementing the necessary technology and formally requesting interoperability. Once the request is received, Meta has three months to accept the application and begin the testing phase, although the process could take longer depending on agreements, security testing, and joint development.

Coming soon, interoperability will initially include text messages, images, videos, and files, and in future developments will extend to group chats, voice calls, and video calls.

Related article:

The Best Offline GPS Navigators: The Ultimate Guide to Offline Apps for Android and iOS

Security recommendations for interoperability users

To enjoy the benefits of interoperability while avoiding unnecessary risks, keep these tips in mind:

• Enable interoperability only with trusted services or when you have contacts who actually use it. Deactivate it if you don't really need it.
• Configure WhatsApp privacy settings to the maximum, blocking suspicious contacts and reviewing access permissions to your data.
• Always verify identity from someone who writes to you from an external service, especially if the conversation seems strange or unexpected.
• Avoid downloading “mods” or unofficial applications that promise instant interoperability: are often fraudulent and may contain malware.
• If you have sensitive or confidential conversations, only use tested messaging services with strong encryption, such as Signal..

Technical comparison: Which services will be interoperable in the short and medium term?

Meta has published the specifications and requirements for interoperability, establishing a clear roadmap for potential partners. However, The response of rival companies is mixed and depends on both its technical capabilities and its policies on privacy and openness of protocols:

This table demonstrates that the adoption of interoperability will be gradual and selective, depending on technical collaboration, business willingness, and the ability to comply with European regulations. More services are likely to join in the future as demand and regulatory incentives increase.

Interoperability between WhatsApp and other apps marks the beginning of a new era where users finally have control over their digital experience and are no longer dependent on the artificial barriers created by large platforms. The path ahead will require time, cooperation, and attention to security, but an era of open, flexible, and much more transparent communication for everyone is coming. If you have questions about how to activate interoperability or how to benefit from it in your daily life, don't hesitate to consult the privacy settings of your app and stay informed of the new features that will be coming as more services join this digital revolution.

Related article:

The best apps for listening to podcasts: a complete and updated guide