WhatsApp to Introduce Third-Party Chat Integration in Europe — DMA-Driven Update Arrives in 2025

WhatsApp to Launch Third-Party Chat Integration in Europe Soon — A Major Shift Towards Cross-App Messaging

WhatsApp is set to undergo one of its biggest transformations ever with the rollout of third-party chat integration in Europe, beginning in late 2025. This change, driven by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), will allow WhatsApp users to chat directly with people using other messaging apps — a groundbreaking step in the messaging ecosystem. The move positions WhatsApp at the center of a new interoperable communication future, redefining how chats, privacy, and messaging platforms function.

For the first time, WhatsApp will no longer be a closed communication platform. Instead, users will be able to send and receive messages from third-party apps like BirdyChat, Haiket, and other DMA-approved messaging services. This development represents a massive shift in how messaging apps interact and compete — especially in Europe, where regulators are enforcing interoperability to prevent platform lock-ins.

🔓 What Is WhatsApp’s Third-Party Chat Integration?

The new integration allows WhatsApp users to communicate with people on other messaging platforms without needing a WhatsApp account. For example, a BirdyChat or Haiket user will be able to send a message into WhatsApp, and the WhatsApp user will receive it in a dedicated “third-party chats” section.

• Cross-app messaging: WhatsApp users can receive texts, images, and files from other apps.
• DMA compliance: WhatsApp must open up parts of its network under EU interoperability rules.
• Secure message routing: Each third-party app must follow Meta’s encryption and protocol standards.
• A dedicated inbox: Third-party chats won’t mix with regular WhatsApp chats initially.

This interoperability shift is comparable to letting Gmail users message Outlook users without switching apps — creating an entirely new ecosystem for messaging.

🌍 Why Is This Launch Happening in Europe First?

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act classifies WhatsApp as a “gatekeeper service” — meaning the platform holds significant influence in digital communication. Under the DMA, such companies must enable interoperability with smaller platforms to promote competition and innovation.

• WhatsApp must allow third-party access as long as apps follow Meta’s API and encryption guidelines.
• Europe is the testing ground before global rollout decisions are made.
• Users will gain more freedom to choose messaging platforms without losing access to their social circles.

Countries like India, Brazil, and Indonesia — where WhatsApp is dominant — will not see the rollout immediately because they aren’t under DMA regulations.

📨 Which Apps Will Work with WhatsApp First?

Meta has confirmed two early partners:

• BirdyChat — a privacy-focused messaging app.
• Haiket — a rising European communication platform.

Over time, more messaging apps can apply to join WhatsApp’s interoperability network — but they must meet strict requirements for:

• Encryption
• User privacy
• Spam prevention
• Message routing stability

However, full interoperability (texts, images, files, audio) will roll out progressively across 2025 and 2026.

🔐 How Will Encryption Work Across Third-Party Apps?

WhatsApp will require all participating apps to use its own encryption protocol, based on the Signal Protocol. Third-party apps can use their own encryption as well — but must map it into WhatsApp’s framework without compromising message privacy.

The system works like this:

• Layer 1: WhatsApp’s encryption protocol
• Layer 2: Third-party app’s internal encryption
• Layer 3: Meta’s interoperability routing layer

Meta has stated that third-party apps must take responsibility for their own security, spam filtering, and identity verification to ensure a safe user experience.

📥 Where Will Third-Party Messages Appear?

To maintain user clarity and privacy, WhatsApp will place all cross-app messages in a separate “Third-Party Chats” section. This helps users keep external messages distinct from regular WhatsApp conversations.

Features available at launch:

• Text messaging
• Image sharing
• File attachments (smooth, small sizes)

Features coming later:

• Voice messages
• Video messages
• Group chat interoperability

🚀 What Does This Mean for the Messaging Industry?

This change could completely alter messaging app competition, especially in Europe. Previously, WhatsApp’s massive user base created a strong network effect — users stayed because all their contacts were there.

Interoperability challenges that dominance:

• Users can use smaller apps without losing WhatsApp connections.
• New apps can compete on features instead of user base size.
• Messaging becomes more like email — open and cross-platform.
• Privacy dashboards and policies will become more important than ever.

“Interoperability marks a turning point for WhatsApp. For the first time, users can message across apps — breaking the barriers that have defined the messaging world for more than a decade.”

📱 Will This Come to India or Other Countries?

Not immediately. The feature is launching only in Europe due to regulatory requirement. However, depending on adoption and global pressure, Meta may bring a version of third-party integrations to:

• India
• Brazil
• Indonesia
• Africa and Middle East regions

These regions rely heavily on WhatsApp for payments, business chats, and government services. Any expansion would require significant testing around privacy, spam, and platform integrity.

❓ FAQ – WhatsApp Third-Party Chat Integration Europe 2025

📚 Sources & Further Reading

• TechCrunch – WhatsApp Third-Party Chat Integration
• EU Digital Markets Act – Interoperability Requirements
• Code24 – WhatsApp & Messaging App Updates

Sneak peek: As WhatsApp prepares for a new interoperable future, Europe is becoming the testing ground for cross-platform messaging — a change that may soon influence global communication standards.