INDIA: WhatsApp, the popular messaging app, is in the process of developing a groundbreaking feature that will revolutionize how users connect across platforms. This new development will enable WhatsApp users to reach out and chat with individuals on different messaging applications without requiring them to download WhatsApp.
Currently undergoing testing with beta users, the feature is introduced in the form of a screen named “Third-party chats”. Although it is not yet functional, industry experts speculate that this marks the initial stride towards Meta’s encrypted messaging app achieving seamless integration across diverse platforms. This initiative stems from the European Commission’s recent classification of Meta as a “gatekeeper” under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The DMA mandates that communication software, including WhatsApp, establish interoperability with third-party messaging applications by March 2024. WhatsApp enthusiasts eagerly await this development, as it promises to enhance the user experience and convenience significantly.
This move towards cross-platform messaging aligns with the DMA’s goal of regulating major tech companies, referred to as “gatekeepers”, to ensure fair competition and accessibility in the digital landscape.
One of the DMA’s pivotal provisions is the requirement for communication software to be interoperable with third-party messaging applications.
This implies that users will be able to send and receive messages seamlessly across various messaging platforms, irrespective of their chosen platform.
In response to these directives, both Meta and Microsoft are gearing up to establish their mobile application marketplaces. Additionally, the European Commission is scrutinizing Apple’s iMessage and Microsoft’s Bing search engine, Edge browser, and advertising platform to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
With WhatsApp’s impending foray into cross-platform messaging, users can anticipate a new era of connectivity, transcending boundaries set by different messaging applications. This innovation promises to redefine how we communicate in the digital age, making conversations smoother and more inclusive for everyone.
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