Meta has provided details on its plan to make WhatsApp and Messenger interoperable with third-party messaging services, in compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The act, which took effect on March 7, 2024, requires companies like Meta to open up their services to competitors and prevent unfair practices.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
The company outlined a set of protocols and standards that third-party service providers would need to follow to ensure that their messaging services can connect with WhatsApp and Messenger. Specifically, they will be required to implement the Signal Protocol for end-to-end encryption, package encrypted communications into a certain type of XML, and use a “plug-and-play” model to connect to Meta’s infrastructure.
TF Summary: What’s Next
This move does pose potential challenges. One risk is data loss of direct connection to clients for WhatsApp. Another is security risks if data is exposed to proxy servers (an intermediary connection between users and the internet that can prevent bad actors from entering a private network).
These are important considerations for ensuring the safety and privacy for the platforms’ users.