What if WhatsApp became the definitive messaging application? One that would allow its users to chat with all their contacts, even if they don’t have WhatsApp. The latest beta version of the Android app (2.23.19.8) may suggest this.
A new “Third Party Chats” screen is currently being developed, indicates the WABetaInfo site. The news specialist for the Facebook groups application specifies that this part of WhatsApp is currently empty and is not accessible to users.
Meet European requirements
The objective of this addition would be to be able to contact a WhatsApp user from another application. And this, without necessarily having a WhatsApp account. As WABetaInfo points out, opening up to other applications should impact end-to-end encryption of conversations. Since such an option requires that a discussion be accessible outside the WhatsApp ecosystem and therefore its policy on the secrecy of exchanges.
The interoperability that WhatsApp is preparing to implement as part of a future update falls within the framework of the new European standards. Following the Digital Services Act (DSA) to combat online hate, Europe introduced the Digital Market Act (DMA).
In early September, the European Commission listed 22 key platforms that needed to be regulated, including WhatsApp, subject to this new arsenal to prevent abuse of dominant positions by web giants. After this publication, the application presented its new screen dedicated to third-party applications.
Europe gives companies until March 6 to comply with its requirements. From this date sanctions may be applied. With fines of up to 20% of global turnover in case of recidivism.
Source: BFM TV
