WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is planning a major change that will allow its 2 billion users to message people on other platforms, without needing to download multiple apps. The move comes as WhatsApp parent company Meta has been designated a ‘gatekeeper’ company under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which requires it to open up its messaging services within six months.
Interoperability Being Worked on for Two Years
According to Dick Brouwer, an engineering director at WhatsApp, the company has been working on interoperability for around two years now. Interoperability will allow WhatsApp users to exchange messages, images, videos and files with people on other messaging platforms. Brouwer said it will focus initially on one-on-one messaging rather than group chats or calls. Users will have to opt in to activate the feature. Importantly, WhatsApp will keep messages from other apps separate – they will appear in a ‘third party chats’ section rather than the main inbox. This is to maintain WhatsApp’s high privacy standards.
No Group Chats or Calls Initially
WhatsApp’s interoperability feature will initially focus on one-on-one messaging, rather than group chats or calls. This means that users will be able to send and receive messages, images, videos and files with people on other messaging platforms, but they will not be able to participate in group chats or calls. However, Brouwer said that this is subject to change in the future.
Real Tension in Opening Up Access While Preserving Security
Enabling cross-platform messaging is technically complex, especially for encrypted apps like WhatsApp. Different platforms use different protocols and have varying privacy standards. Brouwer admitted there is “real tension” in opening up access while preserving security. WhatsApp will publish technical details in March for third parties to integrate with its system. Companies will have to sign an agreement and follow WhatsApp’s terms to connect their apps.
Signal’s Encryption Protocol Most Preferred
WhatsApp would prefer third parties use the same Signal encryption protocol as WhatsApp. This is publicly used by apps like Google Messages and Skype. For sending messages, apps will have to encrypt via Signal and package content into XML message formats. To receive messages, they’ll need to connect to WhatsApp’s servers. Brouwer said this architecture, using WhatsApp’s existing client-server system, is the “best approach”. WhatsApp has been collaborating with other companies. It will document its protocols to let third-party clients integrate directly. There will also be options for proxies between their apps and WhatsApp’s server if developers want more flexibility.
Tough to Convince Other Apps to Link Up
So far, WhatsApp has not revealed which platforms might link up. Major messaging apps like Telegram, Signal, Snap and Google did not comment on plans to enable WhatsApp interoperability. Given the technical complexities, it may take time for third parties to launch integrations after WhatsApp publishes its March guidance.
EU Demands Interoperability Within Six Months
Under EU rules, interoperability has to launch within just six months. However, it’s unclear if it will be Europe-only initially. WhatsApp did not clarify if the feature will be available globally. When enabled, a “third party chats” section will appear for users, as previously spotted in WhatsApp beta versions by WABetaInfo – although this page isn’t directly accessible or functional at the moment.
iMessage to Open Up Too?
Apple’s iMessage may also have to offer interoperability under the EU’s Digital Markets Act. However, Apple has not commented on its plans. In the US, it faces separate scrutiny about keeping iMessage as a closed platform. Opening it up could facilitate communication between iOS and Android users.
Significant Changes for WhatsApp
The bottom line is that WhatsApp’s planned changes are significant. Users won’t need multiple apps to message different contacts if services interlink. However, take-up depends on third parties integrating, which may take time due to complexities. Any privacy risks that may arise from lower security standards also need addressing.
WhatsApp’s planned changes to allow cross-app chatting are a significant development in the world of messaging apps. By enabling interoperability with other messaging platforms, WhatsApp is breaking down barriers and allowing its 2 billion users to communicate with people on other apps without needing to download multiple apps. This move is technically complex, especially for encrypted apps like WhatsApp, and there is a “real tension” in opening up access while preserving security. However, WhatsApp is taking steps to ensure that its high privacy standards are maintained by keeping messages from other apps separate and publishing technical details for third parties to integrate with its system.
The move to allow cross-app chatting is a response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which requires Meta to open up its messaging services within six months. It remains to be seen if this feature will be available globally or only in Europe. However, it is clear that WhatsApp’s planned changes will have a significant impact on the way people communicate online.
