WhatsApp will now allow cross-platform messaging; here’s what you should know

WhatsApp has gradually taken precedence over normal text messages and other platforms because of its ease of use and abundant availability of features. The instant messaging app also already has plenty of features in the pipeline, including being able to change theme colours or an in-app search feature. 

However, recently, WhatsApp also announced its plans to support cross-platform messaging among other apps, such as Telegram or Signal. The decision comes to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act and will make a first-of-its-kind smartphone app to have the functionality. Here’s what you need to know.

Cross-platform messaging on WhatsApp: All you need to know

Several reports suggest how WhatsApp has been developing a cross-platform support feature for the past two years. This feature will not hamper the end-to-end encryption set by the platform and will also offer users a greater amount of choices for messaging. 

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While this may seem like an expansion on its own, the move, in fact, comes after the EU designated Meta as a ‘gatekeeper’ with its Digital Markets Act. According to this, Meta, along with five other tech bigwigs, are now part of companies that provide an “important gateway between businesses and consumers about core platform services”.

After being mandated to open communication with WhatsApp within a six-month deadline, the company has complied with its decision to facilitate messaging interoperability.

How will cross-platform messaging work on WhatsApp?

Initially, reports suggest users will only be able to exchange basic features. These include texts, images, audio and video across other apps. Advanced features like group chats or calls will be scheduled to roll out at a later stage.

Meta also mentioned how this feature will be an opt-in service, and users will only be able to see third-party messages under a designated tab on the app. This is also to ensure potential spam or scams on the instant messaging app.

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While the functionality has been announced, the feature might still take time to roll out across users. However, bearing in mind the complexity of this update, there may be a few bug fixes lined up to streamline its technical or security challenges.