The European Union (EU) recently achieved consensus on a substantial competition reform referred to as the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Under this act, large tech companies must provide users with the capability to communicate with each other using various apps.
WhatsApp, being one of these companies, will need to adhere to the new regulations specified in the EU’s DMA. This requirement applies to WhatsApp due to its status as a gatekeeper service, given its substantial user base and alignment with the DMA’s criteria.
In order to adhere to these new regulations, WhatsApp is actively developing a feature that enables individuals to contact WhatsApp users, even if they do not use WhatsApp, according to WABetaInfo.
For instance, someone using the Telegram app would be able to send a message to a WhatsApp user, even if they do not have a WhatsApp account themselves.
While this may make it easier to talk to other people not using WhatsApp, this approach may also introduce significant considerations regarding end-to-end encryption when receiving messages from users who are not using WhatsApp.
The giant instant messaging company has a six-month window to bring its app in compliance with the new European regulations for offering its interoperability service within the EU. It’s important to note that this feature is still in the early stages of development.
Currently, it’s uncertain whether this feature will eventually be extended to countries outside the EU.
