A groundbreaking change is coming to the world of digital communications that could fundamentally change the nature of messaging services as we know them. With 's “Digital Markets Act” (DMA), a new era of interoperability is emerging, which will break down the silo mentality in messenger communication from March 2024. This law obliges the Meta Group to open its popular messenger WhatsApp for messages to and from other messaging apps. This development could have far-reaching consequences for the way we understand and practice digital communication.
WhatsApp, with its around 2.8 billion users worldwide, has developed into a quasi-standard in digital communication. The need to use WhatsApp to avoid being excluded from social and professional networks has reinforced the so-called “network effect”. But the variety of messaging apps such as Telegram, Signal and Threema, which have their own strengths when it comes to privacy and security, have so far found themselves isolated, unable to communicate with WhatsApp users.
The door to competition is opened
The DMA aims to change this state of affairs by encouraging leading players in the digital market to open their platforms to competition. This interoperability, which allows messages, images, voice messages, videos and files to be exchanged across different messengers, marks a significant step towards a more open digital communications landscape. Initially, however, this option will be limited to exchanging messages, while group chats and calls could only be integrated in later phases.
An individual opt-in for users
Interestingly, interaction between WhatsApp and other messengers will not be activated automatically. Instead, users are given the choice to opt-in to this new form of communication. Messages received from other messaging apps should appear in a separate mailbox within WhatsApp, creating a clear separation between internal and external messaging worlds.
Privacy concerns remain
Despite the obvious benefits of this development, there are concerns about data security. Critics, such as those from Threema, a messenger known for its high data protection standards, warn of the possibility that users could be “de-anonymized” by transferring data to WhatsApp. These concerns underscore the need to continue to carefully address privacy and security in this new era of open communication.
Questions and answers about the new messenger age
Question 1: What does interoperability mean for WhatsApp users?
Answer 1: Interoperability allows WhatsApp users to exchange messages with users of other messengers such as Telegram, Signal and Threema.
Question 2: Will group chats and calls also be interoperable?
Answer 2: No, initially only messages, pictures, voice messages, videos and files are exchanged. Group chats and calls could only follow in later phases.
Question 3: Do all messengers have to open for WhatsApp?
Answer 3: No, it is not mandatory for other messengers to open, but they must be given the opportunity to communicate with WhatsApp.
Question 4: How will data protection be handled in this new system?
Answer 4: There are privacy concerns, particularly regarding the possibility of “de-anonymizing” users. It remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed.
Question 5: What is the aim of the Digital Markets Act?
Answer 5: The aim of the DMA is to promote more competition in the digital market by forcing leading platforms such as WhatsApp to open their services to other providers.
Conclusion on the interoperability of WhatsApp and other messengers
The introduction of interoperability between WhatsApp and other messaging apps marks a turning point in digital communication. Not only does it promise greater diversity and flexibility in the way we communicate, but it also represents the urgent need to prioritize privacy and security in this new open communications landscape. While this vision will take some time to fully realize, it undoubtedly ushers in an exciting era of digital connectivity. At the same time, it remains crucial that users stay informed and make conscious decisions about their digital communication.
Source: EU Commission , Digital Markets Act (DMA) , WABetaInfo
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1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )