WhatsApp’s “Third Party Chat” interface expired before the EU DMA deadline

WhatsApp, the end-to-end (E2EE) messaging platform, is expected to soon add support for third-party messaging. Now a leaked image has surfaced showing what the new interface will look like. The image suggests that the feature may only debut in Europe for now. In particular, the Meta-owned platform must add support for cross-platform messaging under the European Union’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA), which comes into effect on March 6. WhatsApp is expected to make the feature live before the deadline.

The leaked screenshot was shared via WABetaInfo report, who revealed that the upcoming WhatsApp version 2.24.5.18 will add a chat interoperability feature. Also known as third-party chats, it will allow users to message a user on Signal, Telegram or other messaging apps directly from WhatsApp without the need to install the said app. The feature is said to enable more fluid and accessible communication between users by removing platform-related restrictions.

Leaked screenshot of WhatsApp’s third-party chat interface
Photo: WABetaInfo

In the leaked image, a tag header Third Party Chats can be seen. The screen looks like a power-on screen, with the bottom containing a power button Turn on the function. There are several warnings in the middle of the page. The first warning reads: “You are messaging someone outside of WhatsApp. Third-party apps may use different end-to-end encryption.” Another warning highlights that spam and scams may be more common in third-party chats. The final warning reads: “Third-party apps have their own rules. They may process your data differently than WhatsApp.” The last line explains that the feature is offered to users in the European region as required by law.

WhatsApp’s director of engineering Dick Brauer earlier confirmed the feature, saying the company is working on it, according to a report. He also explained that these chats will be displayed separately as they are not protected by the messaging app’s E2EE protocol. WhatsApp was also said to have started documenting its client-server protocol to allow other chat services to connect their clients directly to WhatsApp’s servers and send messages to users across platforms.

In case third-party platforms do not wish to follow the procedure, they will have to verify that their encryption protocol complies with WhatsApp’s security standard. The report highlights that several popular platforms have not confirmed whether or not they are working with the Meta-owned platform to add chat interoperability support.