2024-09-11 17:54:33
Meta is opening up WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger to other chat services. The company provides insights into the implementation, but there are already obstacles.
The Facebook group Meta has presented plans on how WhatsApp and Messenger will be opened up for message exchange with other services. This is being done as part of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires big tech companies to ensure so-called interoperability. As “Heise online” reports, Meta has explained how users will also be able to receive messages from third-party apps in the future.
According to the plan, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger users will in future receive notifications about available third-party chats and will be able to decide which apps they want to activate. They will have the choice of whether they want to display the messages in a separate inbox or in a shared area. These settings can be changed at any time.
In addition to the required text messages, Meta also plans to make other features such as direct replies, reactions to messages and read receipts available, it continues. From 2025, for example, it should be possible to create cross-platform groups. Voice and video calls are to be added from 2027.
In order to ensure secure communication, Meta wants to ask third-party providers to use Signal’s encryption protocol or alternatives with equivalent security standards. The collaboration will only take place after a corresponding agreement has been signed. According to “Heise online”, however, Signal itself has indicated that it does not want to cooperate with Meta because it has concerns about data protection.
Meta admits that data security is a shared responsibility of both the company and the connected services. However, the new functions will only be introduced once third-party providers have developed, tested and implemented the necessary technology. According to Meta, the goal is to ensure a positive and secure user experience.