WhatsApp is launching third-party chat support in Europe under DMA rules

Meta is introducing cross-platform messaging options on WhatsApp in Europe, driven by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The regulation requires Meta to provide users with a way to connect with people on third-party messaging services that have chosen to enable interoperability. As a result, WhatsApp users in Europe will soon be able to chat directly with users of messaging apps BirdyChat and Haiket, following several months of small scale testing.

While expanding interoperability, the rollout allows users on both Android and iOS to opt in and exchange messages, images, voice messages, videos, and files across compatible apps. Group chat creation with third-party users will be available once partnering platforms implement support. Over three years of collaboration between Meta, European messaging services, and EU regulators have led to this solution, aiming to meet legal requirements while preserving privacy and security.

These interoperability features maintain end-to-end encryption and core privacy safeguards. Participation is optional, and WhatsApp users can enable or disable third-party chat connections at any time. In the coming months, users in Europe will see guidance in the WhatsApp settings tab on how to opt in to this new connectivity feature.