WhatsApp Prepares for EU-Mandated Third-Party Chat Integration

Meta Prepares to Launch Third-Party Chat Integration on WhatsApp in Europe Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has announced plans to launch third-party chat integration on the popular messaging platform in Europe. This move comes as a result of the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires Meta to provide users in Europe with the option to chat with people using third-party messaging services that have chosen to make their apps interoperable. According to Meta, the company has successfully tested the third-party chat integration with messaging apps BirdyChat and Haiket over the past few months. As a result, WhatsApp users in Europe will soon be able to share messages, images, voice messages, videos, and files with users of these third-party apps. The option to create groups with third-party users will be available once Meta's partners are ready to support it. Financially, the launch of third-party chat integration on WhatsApp in Europe is expected to have a significant impact on the messaging app's user base. With over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide, WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging platforms globally. The introduction of third-party chat integration is likely to attract new users to the platform, particularly in Europe, where the DMA's interoperability requirements are driving the adoption of third-party messaging services. In terms of market impact, the launch of third-party chat integration on WhatsApp in Europe is a significant development in the messaging app market. The move is expected to increase competition among messaging apps, as users are given more options to choose from. According to a recent report, the global messaging app market is expected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2025, up from $734 billion in 2020. The introduction of third-party chat integration on WhatsApp is likely to contribute to this growth. Meta's decision to launch third-party chat integration on WhatsApp in Europe is also a strategic move to comply with the DMA's interoperability requirements. The company has been working closely with the European Commission to ensure that its messaging platform meets the requirements of the DMA. By launching third-party chat integration, Meta is demonstrating its commitment to complying with the DMA and ensuring that its users have access to a wide range of messaging services. In terms of company background, Meta has been working to expand its messaging services in recent years. The company acquired WhatsApp in 2014 and has since invested heavily in the platform, adding new features and improving its user experience. The launch of third-party chat integration on WhatsApp is the latest development in Meta's efforts to expand its messaging services and increase user engagement. Looking ahead, the launch of third-party chat integration on WhatsApp in Europe is expected to have a significant impact on the messaging app market. The move is likely to increase competition among messaging apps and drive growth in the global messaging app market. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Meta and other messaging app providers respond to the changing landscape.