WhatsApp to support cross-platform messaging

Impending EU regulations are driving WhatsApp towards interoperability

Meta-owned WhatsApp is set to introduce cross-messaging capabilities with other platforms, potentially allowing users to chat seamlessly with individuals using Signal, Telegram, and other messaging apps.

The move comes in response to the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is slated to take effect next month and will mandate Meta to enable interoperability with third-party messaging apps.

For the past two years, WhatsApp has been crafting a framework to facilitate seamless messaging across diverse platforms without compromising its end-to-end encryption. However, the impending regulatory requirements have accelerated this process, compelling Meta-owned WhatsApp and Messenger to embark on a journey towards interoperability.

In an interview with Wired, WhatsApp's engineering director, Dick Brouwer, revealed the company's plans for its vast user base, exceeding 2 billion worldwide.

"There's real tension between offering an easy way to offer this interoperability to third parties whilst at the same time preserving the WhatsApp privacy, security and integrity bar," Brouwer said.

"I think we're pretty happy with where we've landed."

According to Brouwer, the initial focus of interoperability will focus on text messaging, along with the exchange of multimedia content such as images, voice messages, videos and files between individual users.

While calls and group chats are anticipated in the coming years, their implementation is subject to EU regulations.

Central to Meta's new upcoming cross-app messaging feature is the requirement for users to opt in. The integration won't be enabled by default to safeguard against potential spam and scams, Meta says.

"I can choose whether or not I want to participate in being open to exchanging messages with third parties," Brouwer said. "This is important, because it could be a big source of spam and scams."

Once opted in, WhatsApp and third-party app chats will reside in separate inboxes. Brouwer insisted that this separation is vital because WhatsApp cannot guarantee the same level of security across all messaging platforms. By maintaining distinct inboxes, WhatsApp erects a clear barrier between chats deemed secure and those deemed potentially less so, he said.

Another potential requirement outlined by Brouwer is the use of the Signal encryption protocol.

While Signal, WhatsApp, Messenger, Google Messages and Skype already use this encryption protocol, other platforms may have reservations about adopting it, given their reliance on alternative encryption methods.

Additionally, third-party apps must connect to WhatsApp's servers to send and receive messages.

Messaging companies seeking to interoperate with WhatsApp will be required to enter into agreements with Meta, subject to specific terms and conditions. While the exact nature of these agreements remains undisclosed, some messaging services may hesitate to align themselves with Meta, despite seemingly favourable terms.

A comprehensive plan, applicable to both WhatsApp and Messenger, will be disclosed by Meta in March, allowing several months for implementation.

Brouwer acknowledged the delicate balance between offering interoperability to third parties and preserving WhatsApp's privacy and security standards.

"We don't believe interop chats and WhatsApp chats can evolve at the same pace," he said. "The second you do something different—than what we know works really well—you open up a wormhole of security, privacy issues, and complexity that is always going to be much bigger than you think it is."