Meta Expands Third-Party Chats on WhatsApp
Meta is rolling out third-party chats on WhatsApp, giving users more ways to connect. Third party chats are optional, and users can turn them on or off at any time. This ensures control and flexibility over messaging experiences.
The company partnered with BirdyChat and Haiket to build this feature. The collaboration lasted three years and included guidance from the European Commission. The goal was to meet DMA requirements while keeping user security intact.
All third party messaging apps
All third party use the same level of end to end encryption as WhatsApp. Therefore, users can expect secure conversations across different platforms. Meta also ensures users clearly understand the difference between WhatsApp chats and third-party chats.
Back in September 2024, Meta previewed what these chats would look like. Users can create a separate folder for third-party messages or choose a combined inbox. As a result, managing messages from multiple apps becomes simpler.
WhatsApp will notify users
Whenever a new third-party messaging app becomes available, WhatsApp will notify users. This keeps the experience transparent and easy to navigate. In addition, the integration allows users to enjoy a broader messaging ecosystem without compromising privacy.
Overall, third party chats on WhatsApp aim to balance convenience, security, and user choice. The feature is designed to make messaging across apps seamless while keeping privacy front and center. Users can now enjoy more connectivity options without losing control of their chat environment.
