WhatsApp Chats Will Soon Work With Other Encrypted Messaging Apps
WhatsApp is set to revolutionize the way its 2 billion users communicate by introducing a feature that allows messaging across different platforms while maintaining end-to-end encryption. This development comes as a response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which has designated WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, as a “gatekeeper” and requires it to open its services to competition. The interoperability, which will initially support text, images, voice messages, videos, and files, will be opt-in to protect users from potential spam and scams. Messages from other apps will appear in a separate inbox within WhatsApp, signaling a clear distinction between native and third-party communications.
The implementation of such interoperability is complex, especially for encrypted messaging services that use distinct configurations and protocols. WhatsApp has been working on this project for over a year and is expected to release full details in March. Third-party messaging companies will need to sign an agreement and adhere to WhatsApp’s terms, including possibly using the Signal encryption protocol, which WhatsApp’s systems are based on. Despite the challenges, interoperability aims to simplify communication, allowing users to connect without the need for multiple apps.
However, not all companies are on board with WhatsApp’s approach. Some, like the Swiss app Threema, have expressed concerns regarding the security and privacy standards of the proposed system. The interoperability move could also shift power dynamics within the industry, as larger players may gain more decisional power. There are still questions about the practicalities of the system, such as spam management and user identity across different platforms. WhatsApp’s plan to use its existing architecture for interoperability is intended to facilitate future scaling and minimize data exposure.
The implications of this interoperability for user privacy and company dynamics are significant. While it promises to open the market, it may also lead to a more complex landscape in terms of security, privacy, and the evolution of messaging features. As the system is adopted, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on both users and the messaging app ecosystem.
Source: WhatsApp Chats Will Soon Work With Other Encrypted Messaging Apps | WIRED
