DMA Compliance Brings Interoperability to WhatsApp

Meta is rolling out third-party chat integration on WhatsApp across Europe following successful small-scale tests, marking a significant milestone in compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The feature initially supports two messaging apps, BirdyChat and Haiket, allowing European users who opt in to share messages, images, voice messages, videos, and files with users on these platforms directly from WhatsApp. The Digital Markets Act, which became legally binding in March 2024, requires Meta to give WhatsApp users in Europe the option to connect with third-party messaging services that have chosen to make their apps interoperable, preventing users from feeling locked into a single messaging platform.

Privacy-First Approach with End-to-End Encryption

Meta emphasizes that third-party messaging apps must use the same level of end-to-end encryption as WhatsApp to maintain security standards, ensuring user privacy remains protected across different platforms. WhatsApp users will be able to set up a designated folder for third-party messages or opt for a combined inbox, giving them control over how they manage cross-platform conversations. The feature is entirely optional and available only on iOS and Android mobile devices, with users receiving notifications in their Settings tab explaining how to activate the integration. Meta plans to expand interoperability to additional messaging platforms over time, continuously updating users as more partners join the ecosystem, though group chat functionality with third-party users will be enabled once partner platforms are ready to support it.

Three Years in Development Amid Regulatory Tensions

The launch reflects more than three years of work with European messaging services and the European Commission to develop a compliant technical framework without compromising user protections. The rollout comes amid ongoing tensions between Meta and European regulators, with Meta facing €200 million in fines in April 2025 for breaching DMA obligations related to consumer choice. This interoperability feature is currently exclusive to the European Region in accordance with DMA requirements, meaning users outside Europe will not be able to access third-party chat integration. While BirdyChat and Haiket are the first partners, Meta has indicated it will notify users each time new third-party messaging apps become available, gradually expanding the interoperable ecosystem across Europe in the coming months.