WhatsApp to Launch Third-Party Chat Integration in Europe Soon

Meta is preparing to roll out third-party chat integration on WhatsApp across Europe, the company announced on Friday. The update follows the requirements set by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates that large tech platforms give users the ability to communicate with people using third-party messaging apps that choose to make their platforms interoperable.

“Following successful small-scale tests over the past months, the option for WhatsApp users to chat with users of messaging apps BirdyChat and Haiket directly via third-party chats will soon be rolling out across Europe,” Meta said in a blog post. “This marks a significant milestone in Meta’s compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) interoperability requirements.”

How the Feature Works

European WhatsApp users who opt in to the new integration will be able to exchange messages, images, videos, voice notes, and files with people on third-party apps. The ability to create group chats with users from other platforms will be introduced later, once Meta’s partners support it.

Over the coming months, users in the European Region will start seeing a notification in the Settings tab explaining how to opt in to connect with people using third-party messaging services. The feature will be available only on Android and iOS, not on desktop, web, or tablet versions of WhatsApp.

Participation will be completely optional, and users can toggle third-party chats on or off at any time.

Image Credits: Meta

Meta’s Compliance Efforts

Meta says its partnerships with BirdyChat and Haiket are the result of a three-year collaboration with the European Commission and other European messaging providers to develop an interoperability framework that meets DMA requirements.

The company emphasised that all third-party messaging must maintain the same level of end-to-end encryption as WhatsApp. Meta also confirmed it has taken steps to ensure users can easily distinguish between WhatsApp chats and third-party messages for security and clarity.

What It Will Look Like

Back in September 2024, Meta previewed what third-party chats on WhatsApp would look like. Users will be able to choose between a dedicated folder for third-party messages or a combined inbox with their regular WhatsApp chats.

Meta also said it will notify users each time a new third-party messaging service becomes available for integration.

This rollout marks a significant change for WhatsApp, transforming the platform into a more open communication ecosystem — a direct response to the EU’s regulatory push for interoperability among dominant digital platforms.