The adoption of the DMA (Digital Markets Act) is slowly moving the line. Initiated by the European Commission, this regulation aims to control the operations of digital giants, notably by requiring them to open up their products to third-party download portals – this is the case for Apple’s iPhone/iPad – but also to create instant messaging applications that are interoperable. WhatsApp, a leader in this field, will be forced to comply from March 2024 when the DMA comes into force. Or rather, to be precise, to formalize the tools that the application will deploy.
Clarified today with Meta Service Wired Its intentions regarding interoperability. One of WhatsApp’s engineering directors, Dick Brower, discussed the details of its implementation. This will include authorizing the exchange, within WhatsApp, of messages with other services. To begin with, it will only be possible to send text, images, videos and voice between users; Group chats and other calls will not be supported. Above all, it indicates that compatibility of applications with third-party services will not be manageable: “One of the key requirements here, and it’s really important, is that users must enable the option.”, he points out. This is justified by the security need, WhatsApp has long offered end-to-end encryption of conversations by default, Facebook Messenger joined in late 2023. From the point of view of this meta spokesperson, opening for third parties “Can be a major source of spam and scams”.
How to open WhatsApp to third parties once activated? A dedicated section, perhaps in the form of a tab available on the app’s home page, will be reserved for external messages. This, in order to meet the security requirements of Meta, will – if possible, according to Dick Brouwer – use signal encryption protocols, which the firm itself operates, such as Google (message) and Skype. ; The Service will be open to third parties using other protocols, provided they meet its security prerequisites. Now it remains to be seen which applications will set themselves this mission… and whether they will be validated by the meta teams.
WhatsApp is a free and secure instant messaging service that allows you to stay in touch with all your friends or family, you can download and install it on all platforms.
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Downloads:
21143 -
Release Date:
02/02/2024 -
Author:
WhatsApp -
License:
Free license -
Categories:
Communication
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Operating System:
Android, Online Service, Windows 10/11, iOS iPhone, macOS
