On Friday, Meta released an update detailing its strategy to adhere to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European regulation designed to foster competition in digital marketplaces, specifically concerning its messaging apps, Messenger and WhatsApp.
In a blog post, Meta highlighted that the DMA mandates the inclusion of options within WhatsApp and Messenger to connect with interoperable third-party messaging services and apps. To meet this requirement, Meta is incorporating notifications within both platforms to keep users informed about these third-party integrations and to alert them when a new compatible messaging app becomes available.
The company also announced the rollout of an onboarding flow in WhatsApp and Messenger, designed to educate users about third-party messaging integrations and enable them to activate these features. Through this flow, users will have the option to create a dedicated folder for third-party messages or choose a combined inbox for a more streamlined experience.
In 2025, Meta plans to introduce group functionality for third-party chats, followed by voice and video calling in 2027, in compliance with the DMA.
Additionally, at a yet-to-be-determined date, Meta will integrate “rich messaging” features into WhatsApp and Messenger for third-party chats. These features will include reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts, according to the company.
Meta stated in the blog post, “We will continue to collaborate with third-party messaging services to ensure the safest and most effective user experience.” The company noted that users will begin seeing the third-party chat option once the relevant messaging service has developed, tested, and deployed the technology necessary to offer a secure and positive experience.
However, the new interoperability features for WhatsApp and Messenger face uncertainties. It remains unclear if major messaging platforms like Viber and Telegram will support these integrations. WhatsApp’s requirement for end-to-end encryption could also introduce technical challenges. Additionally, Meta mandates that companies sign an agreement—details of which were recently disclosed—to integrate with its systems.
Matthew Hodgson, founder of the open-source messaging protocol Matrix, has indicated that Matrix will engage in experimental collaboration with WhatsApp while maintaining end-to-end encryption.
While Meta is working to fulfill the DMA’s requirements related to messaging, it has faced criticism for alleged violations of other parts of the legislation. This summer, the European Commission criticized Meta’s “pay or consent” ad model, which provides EU users of Facebook and Instagram with a choice between a paid, ad-free experience or a free, ad-supported version, for not meeting DMA compliance standards.
