Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp have been known as the gatekeepers of messaging apps for as long as we can remember. However, the EU is trying to change that--a year ago, I shared a post about how these messaging apps could be forced to interoperate with each other if the law passes, and it appears that we are getting closer to that future as today, we have some idea how these messaging apps are going to work with each other.
WhatsApp and other messaging apps are going to work together but this feature is going to take time before it goes mainstream
WhatsApp engineering director Dick Brouwer talked about how cross-app messaging is going to work during an interview. The best thing is that this feature is going to be opt-in, so if you do not want to be a part of it, you do not have to be. Brouwer talked about how the feature is not going to be enabled by default.
I can choose whether or not I want to participate in being open to exchanging messages with third parties. This is important, because it could be a big source of spam and scams.
WhatsApp users will get the chance to enable cross-app messaging, and once they do that, they will start seeing another inbox where they can actually look into the third-party chat inbox that will be at the top of the chat menu. The source also claims that a separate inbox was important because the messaging platform cannot really promise the same level of security and privacy as you would get on the native messages.
Another thing to note here is that messaging apps that want to be a part of WhatsApp and Messenger's interoperability will need to sign an agreement with Meta, and follow their terms, as well. Brouwer also claims that Meta would appreciate it if other apps used the encryption protocol that Signal uses with its own apps. Third-party apps will also need to connect to WhatsApp's servers so the messages can be sent and received seamlessly.
Another thing that Bouwer added is that third-party apps can actually use a different protocol as long as it meets WhatsApp's own security standards. Third-party apps can also use a proxy between WhatsApp servers as well as their own apps. However, there are risks associated with this.
However, it is worth noting that the interoperability will take some time, so if you are looking forward to it, you might want to have to wait a bit longer. This certainly is a big move, but it is for the better, and I think it will make communication a lot easier for everyone who uses these platforms.
News Source: Wired
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