WhatsApp is currently working on third-party chat interoperability. This information was revealed by a popular WhatsApp beta tracking website, WABetaInfo. This website has shared the exact feature screenshot on its page and it confirmed that the feature is currently in the works and will be rolled out in a future WhatsApp update.
What is third-party chat interoperability?
A simple meaning of third-party chat interoperability is if users of other chat platforms are looking to send messages to WhatsApp users then they can easily send it without having to create an account.
As per the image below, WhatsApp will soon have third-party chat support for its users. First, it might be available in Europe. European Union has passed the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The act is intended to impose strict regulations on large tech companies to allow users to communicate with each other using different platforms. The Meta-owned messaging platform falls within the DMA criteria as a gatekeeper service by virtue of being a large tech platform with a massive user base. According to WABetaInfo,
WhatsApp has 6 months to comply with the new European regulations to offer interoperability services, at least in the European region.
For the uninitiated, interoperability means non-WhatsApp users can text WhatsApp users. It means those who stick to Telegram or other chat platforms will be able to message WhatsApp users from their app without having to create a WhatsApp account. This benefits smaller platforms to exist and survive within the instant messaging industry.
