WhatsApp will permit cross-platform messaging by EU laws

WhatsApp will soon offer cross-platform messaging. In simple words, users of WhatsApp will soon be able to chat with users of Telegram or Signal directly. A technical solution for this integration has been in the works for the last two years. The main focus is to comply with end-to-end encryption standards.

Though it gives users more options for messaging, WhatsApp wasn’t the only one that thought of this modification. As of right now, it’s more of a constraint for the company because of recent EU legislation that named Meta a tech “gatekeeper” and required WhatsApp to open its communication platform within a six-month timeframe.

With the deadline approaching, WhatsApp is now describing the operation of this messaging interoperability. Basic functions like texting, photo, video, voice, and file-sharing between users will be the main focus at first. Later, the calls and group chats will be rolled out. According to WhatsApp engineering director Dick Brouwer, users had to proactively choose to use this cross-platform chat in order to steer clear of possible “spam and scams.”

The chats from other platforms will be available under a separate “third-party chats” section within the app. Furthermore, the messaging apps that intend to connect must sign agreements with WhatsApp. They will be required to follow the guidelines issued by Meta. In short, a full-fledged implementation will require some time. We can expect detailed plans in March.

The objective of interoperability is quite simple: regardless of the person’s preferred messaging platform, you shouldn’t have to switch between apps in order to stay in touch. In an ideal world, this might even entail communication via iMessage, Telegram, Signal, or WhatsApp. However, linking big, encrypted messaging apps presents some serious and difficult technical and security difficulties.

Therefore, even with the company’s diligent planning, cross-platform communications will not become widely available until later. We anticipate official information regarding WhatsApp’s compatibility to be released shortly.