What are the first third-party apps integrating with WhatsApp in Europe?

BirdyChat and Haiket will be the first third-party services to implement messaging interoperability with WhatsApp in Europe.

How will WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption (E2EE) be affected by these third-party integrations?

Meta has assured that WhatsApp's industry-leading E2EE will be maintained, and third-party apps must use the same level of encryption.

Where will the WhatsApp third-party integration functionality be available?

The integration will work on WhatsApp's iOS and Android mobile apps, but not on desktops, web, or tablets.

Home / Technology / WhatsApp Interoperability Arrives in Europe, Shaking Up Messaging Landscape

WhatsApp Interoperability Arrives in Europe, Shaking Up Messaging Landscape

14 Nov

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Summary

Meta rolling out third-party WhatsApp integrations in Europe
First apps to integrate are BirdyChat and Haiket
WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption to be maintained

WhatsApp Interoperability Arrives in Europe, Shaking Up Messaging Landscape

In the coming months, Meta is preparing to roll out third-party integrations with WhatsApp across Europe, a move mandated by the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This significant change will allow users to access WhatsApp through other messaging apps, marking a shift in the messaging landscape.

According to Meta, the first third-party services to implement this messaging interoperability will be BirdyChat and Haiket, two lesser-known platforms. While the details of these integrations remain unclear, Meta has assured that WhatsApp's industry-leading end-to-end encryption (E2EE) will be maintained, ensuring the privacy and security of user communications.

European WhatsApp users will soon see a notification in their settings tab, explaining how to opt-in to these third-party messaging options. However, the functionality will be limited to WhatsApp's mobile apps, and will not extend to desktop, web, or tablet versions of the platform.