A recent update has rolled out for the Android beta version of WhatsApp,marked as version 2.23.19.8. This update brings with it an intriguingaddition, labeled as the “Third-party chats” screen, as reported byWABetaInfo. As of now, this screen remains dormant and inaccessible tousers, but its very name suggests a significant step towards making Meta’sencrypted messaging app compatible across various platforms. Though stillin development, a sneak peek is available through a screenshot, offering aglimpse into what the future might hold.
This beta release closely follows a recent announcement by the EuropeanCommission. They confirmed that Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp,qualifies as a “gatekeeper” under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
This categorization carries the mandate that communication software such asWhatsApp must establish interoperability with third-party messaging apps byMarch 2024. The DMA’s primary objective, as outlined in the EuropeanCommission’s FAQ, is to prevent gatekeepers from imposing unfair conditionsand to ensure the accessibility of essential digital services.
Beyond the requirement for messaging app interoperability, the DMA alsolays down the rule that gatekeepers must allow users to uninstallpre-installed apps and explore alternative app stores. This move alignswith the broader goal of fostering a more open and competitive digitalecosystem.
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In essence, these developments represent a significant shift in thelandscape of digital communication and app accessibility, aiming to empowerusers and foster a more competitive and interconnected digital environment.
