WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging app, is set to undergo its biggest change in history. The app will soon allow users to send and receive messages from people using other messaging apps, such as Telegram, Signal, and iMessage.
This change is being made in order to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires large tech companies to open up their platforms to competition.
How it will work
The new feature will be called “interoperability”. It will work by allowing users to link their WhatsApp account to other messaging apps. Once linked, users will be able to send and receive messages from people using those other apps, all within the WhatsApp app.
Privacy and security
One of the main concerns with interoperability is privacy and security. WhatsApp has said that it will take steps to ensure that user data is protected. For example, messages sent between WhatsApp and other apps will be encrypted end-to-end.
Availability
The interoperability feature is expected to be rolled out to users in early 2024. It will initially be available in the European Union, but it is expected to be rolled out to other countries later on.
What this means for users
The interoperability feature is a major change for WhatsApp. It will make it easier for users to communicate with friends and family who use different messaging apps. It could also lead to increased competition in the messaging app market.
What this means for businesses
The interoperability feature could also have a significant impact on businesses. Businesses that use WhatsApp to communicate with customers will need to make sure that they are prepared for the change. They will need to decide whether to link their WhatsApp account to other messaging apps and, if so, which apps they should link to.
Overall, the interoperability feature is a major development for WhatsApp. It is a change that is likely to have a significant impact on both users and businesses.
FAQ
WhatsApp will allow users to send messages to people on other messaging apps like Telegram and Signal.
To comply with EU regulations requiring large tech companies to open their platforms.
Link your WhatsApp account to other apps, then send/receive messages within WhatsApp.
Early 2024, starting in the European Union.
No, users can choose to opt-in or opt-out of interoperability.
Potentially, it could make communication with friends using other apps easier.
