Sneak Peek: WhatsApp's Integration with Rival Apps Revealed
While the interface looks ready, there's no exact release date yet. Stay tuned for updates!
Key Points :
- Opt-In Only: You'll need to manually enable this "Third-Party Chats" feature within your WhatsApp Settings.
- A leaked video shows users will need to manually opt-in for third-party chat support through Account settings.
- Possible Privacy Concerns: WhatsApp warns of potential increased spam/scam risks from third-party apps and that your phone number could be searchable.
- Feature Limitations: Don't expect stickers, reactions, or disappearing messages to work with third-party chats.
- Separate Chats: Third-party conversations will have their own dedicated section within WhatsApp to keep things organized.
WhatsApp, known as one of the leading encrypted instant messaging apps, is facing scrutiny from regulators in the EU under the Digital Markets Act. To ensure compliance and maintain its market presence, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is developing interoperability with other apps. Now, we get a sneak peek at this upcoming integration before its official release.
The concept of integrating with third-party chat apps has been in the works since September 2023, with the aim of allowing WhatsApp users to send and receive messages from apps like Telegram without leaving WhatsApp itself. However, progress has been gradual, with development largely conducted behind closed doors. Recently, a video surfaced, shedding light on the implementation details.
In the video, it's revealed that opting for third-party chat support will be a manual process. Users will need to navigate to Settings → Account → Third-party chats to enable this feature. WhatsApp prominently notifies users about potential risks, such as scams and spam, associated with third-party chats, cautioning them about different data handling practices.
Furthermore, an onboarding screen educates users about privacy implications, clarifying that users from other apps may discover them using their phone number. However, Meta assures users that their name and profile picture will not be shared with these users. Notably, certain advanced features like disappearing messages and stickers will not be supported in third-party chats.
Once enabled, users can select specific third-party apps where their phone numbers will be searchable. This setting can be accessed under Settings → Account → Third-party chats → Selected apps. The integration will keep WhatsApp chats distinct from third-party chats, akin to locked conversations, maintaining privacy and security.
While the UI for this feature appears polished and ready for release, its rollout is anticipated soon. However, its availability may initially be limited to the European Region. Nonetheless, there's hope that regulatory pressure will eventually lead to the widespread adoption of this feature across all markets.
The Bigger Picture
This move comes in response to the EU's Digital Markets Act, which aims to increase competition among major tech 'gatekeepers'. While this feature is initially Europe-only, it could signal a wider shift in how messaging apps interact with each other in the future.