**WhatsApp Rolling Out Cross-App Messaging in Europe**
In a landmark shift for digital communication, WhatsApp has...
In a landmark shift for digital communication, WhatsApp has officially begun rolling out its long-anticipated cross-app messaging feature across Europe. The move, which allows users to chat with contacts on other messaging platforms directly from within WhatsApp, marks a significant step toward open interoperability and is being driven by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Starting this week, WhatsApp users in the EU can send and re...
Starting this week, WhatsApp users in the EU can send and receive messages, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents to and from people using other messaging apps—without needing to install additional software. The initial rollout supports third-party apps BirdyChat and Haiket, with plans to expand to other platforms in the coming months.
### How It Works
The new “third-party chats” feature is accessible via the Wh...
The new “third-party chats” feature is accessible via the WhatsApp settings menu under Account > Third-party chats. Once enabled, users can initiate conversations with contacts on supported apps, and incoming messages from those platforms will appear in WhatsApp’s inbox. Users have the option to keep third-party chats separate from their regular WhatsApp conversations or merge them into a unified inbox for easier management.
Notifications for incoming messages from external apps are a...
Notifications for incoming messages from external apps are also supported, and users can control which alerts they receive. Media upload quality settings remain consistent, ensuring a seamless experience whether sharing content within WhatsApp or across platforms.
### Group Chats on the Horizon
While the current release focuses on one-on-one messaging, W...
While the current release focuses on one-on-one messaging, WhatsApp is actively developing cross-platform group chat functionality. According to reports, the upcoming group feature will allow users to create and participate in group conversations with people on other messaging apps, provided all participants have interoperability enabled. For now, only basic communication features—text, photos, videos, voice messages, and documents—are supported. Features like status updates, stickers, and disappearing messages are not yet available in cross-app chats.
### Security and Privacy
WhatsApp has emphasized that all cross-app messages will rem...
WhatsApp has emphasized that all cross-app messages will remain end-to-end encrypted, maintaining the same privacy standards as regular WhatsApp chats. The company is requiring all third-party apps to use the Signal Protocol or a similar encryption standard to ensure user data remains secure. This approach aligns with the DMA’s strict privacy requirements and reflects WhatsApp’s commitment to user safety.
### Why Europe First?
The rollout is limited to the European Union for now, as the...
The rollout is limited to the European Union for now, as the DMA mandates that major tech platforms open their services to competitors to foster a fairer digital marketplace. WhatsApp, as a designated “gatekeeper” under the law, is required to implement interoperability for core messaging functions. The feature is not yet available in other regions, including India and the United States, though Meta has not ruled out future expansion.
### What’s Next?
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has stated that the initial...
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has stated that the initial integration with BirdyChat and Haiket is just the beginning. Other messaging platforms, including Signal and Telegram, may be added as they meet WhatsApp’s technical and privacy requirements. Developers interested in integrating their apps with WhatsApp must apply and demonstrate compliance with end-to-end encryption and other security protocols.
### User Choice and Control
Importantly, the cross-app messaging feature is entirely opt...
Importantly, the cross-app messaging feature is entirely optional. Users who prefer to keep their WhatsApp experience unchanged can simply leave the feature disabled. For those who choose to use it, the ability to communicate across platforms from a single app offers greater convenience and flexibility.
### A New Era for Messaging
WhatsApp’s move toward cross-platform messaging represents a...
WhatsApp’s move toward cross-platform messaging represents a major shift in the global messaging landscape. By breaking down the walls between apps, the company is responding to regulatory pressure while also addressing long-standing user demand for more open and interconnected communication tools. As the feature rolls out to more users and platforms, it could fundamentally change how people connect online—making it easier than ever to stay in touch, no matter which app their friends are using.
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 3:50:18 PM
Following WhatsApp’s rollout of cross-app messaging in Europe to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Meta’s stock experienced a modest positive reaction, rising approximately 1.8% in early trading on November 14, 2025. Analysts noted the move could strengthen user retention by enabling interoperability with smaller apps like BirdyChat, potentially increasing engagement, though concerns about implementation costs and competitive pressures kept gains moderate. Meta spokesperson Mark Dempsey stated, “This feature marks a new chapter in messaging, balancing openness with our commitment to privacy”[9][1].
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 4:00:24 PM
WhatsApp has officially launched cross-app messaging in the European Union, allowing users to chat directly with people on BirdyChat and Haiket from within WhatsApp—marking a major shift in the competitive messaging landscape. With over 2 billion users, WhatsApp’s move, driven by the EU’s Digital Markets Act, could pressure rivals like Telegram and Signal to accelerate their own interoperability efforts, while smaller apps gain unprecedented access to WhatsApp’s vast user base. “This levels the playing field,” said a Meta spokesperson, “but only apps meeting our strict end-to-end encryption standards can participate.”
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 4:10:27 PM
WhatsApp has begun beta testing cross-app messaging in Europe, enabling users to communicate with people on third-party apps like BirdyChat and Arattai without leaving WhatsApp, in direct response to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) that mandates interoperability among dominant messaging platforms[1][9]. This rollout affects over two billion global WhatsApp users and is seen as a major shift toward open messaging standards, with rigorous end-to-end encryption requirements preserved to ensure user privacy[9]. Internationally, the move has sparked interest and cautious optimism among competitors like Signal and Telegram, with industry experts noting it could reshape global messaging dynamics by breaking down platform silos while respecting security[2].
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 4:20:25 PM
WhatsApp has begun rolling out its cross-app messaging feature in Europe as part of compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), allowing users to chat with people on third-party apps like BirdyChat and Arattai without leaving WhatsApp. The feature, currently limited to European beta testers, supports sending texts, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents, while ensuring end-to-end encryption to maintain privacy and security[1][4][9]. Meta plans to expand integration to more third-party apps that meet stringent encryption standards, marking a significant move toward messaging interoperability in the region[1][9].
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 4:30:23 PM
WhatsApp's cross-app messaging feature, currently in beta across Europe, has sparked mixed consumer reactions. Early testers appreciate the promise of seamless communication across apps like BirdyChat but express concerns over potential spam and security risks despite WhatsApp’s encryption safeguards, with some users on X highlighting the convenience of a separate inbox to manage cross-app messages[2][9]. Public discourse also reflects cautious optimism, as industry observers note the feature complies with the EU's Digital Markets Act yet questions remain on broader adoption and the preservation of privacy standards[4][5].
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 4:40:25 PM
**WhatsApp Cross-App Messaging Launches in European Union**
Meta has officially rolled out third-party messaging support across the European Union, enabling WhatsApp's 2 billion global users to communicate directly with people on competing apps like BirdyChat and Haiket without switching applications.[9] The launch marks a significant competitive shift, as smaller messaging platforms gain visibility within WhatsApp's massive user base, while rivals like Signal and Telegram could benefit from increased traffic if users prefer their encryption standards for sensitive communications.[2] The rollout follows over three years of development under the EU's Digital Markets Act, which mandates interoperability for "gatekeeper" platforms, though advanced features like disappearing
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 4:50:30 PM
WhatsApp has begun beta testing cross-app messaging in Europe in response to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), allowing users to message across apps like BirdyChat and potentially Signal or Telegram while maintaining end-to-end encryption[1][2][7]. This initiative, currently limited to Europe, aims to dismantle Big Tech monopolies by fostering interoperability and could reshape global communication by enabling billions to seamlessly connect across platforms[2][4]. Internationally, app developers such as Chennai-based Zoho, creator of Arattai, are preparing to integrate if encryption standards are met, signaling a significant shift toward open messaging ecosystems influenced by regulatory pressures[1].
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 5:00:30 PM
**WhatsApp Officially Launches Cross-App Messaging Across EU**
Meta has officially rolled out third-party messaging support in WhatsApp across the European Union, marking a major milestone in cross-platform interoperability after more than three years of development in collaboration with European messaging providers and regulators[7]. The initial rollout supports BirdyChat and Haiket as the first integrated platforms, with users able to send text messages, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents to contacts on these external apps while maintaining end-to-end encryption, though advanced features like status updates, disappearing messages, and stickers remain exclusive to WhatsApp[3][7]. The feature represents Meta's compliance
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 5:10:23 PM
WhatsApp's rollout of cross-app messaging in Europe has been met with cautious optimism in the market, reflecting anticipation of increased user engagement amid regulatory compliance. Meta Platforms' stock showed a modest gain of 1.8% immediately following the announcement, signaling investor confidence in the company's adaptation to the EU's Digital Markets Act requirements[9]. Analysts noted that while initial integration with smaller apps like BirdyChat may limit short-term impact, this strategic move paves the way for broader interoperability that could strengthen WhatsApp's dominance and user retention in the long term[1][9].
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 5:20:30 PM
WhatsApp's rollout of cross-app messaging in Europe, driven by the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), has sparked expert debate on the future of platform interoperability. Industry analysts highlight the move as a "paradigm shift" enabling WhatsApp users to message contacts on apps like Signal and Telegram without leaving WhatsApp, though limitations remain—only basic messaging features are supported, and the feature is opt-in to prevent spam, according to Meta's compliance lead Brouwer[2][6]. Security experts note that maintaining end-to-end encryption across platforms is a key challenge, with WhatsApp currently allowing only BirdyChat integration pending stringent encryption standards[4][5].
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 5:30:42 PM
WhatsApp has begun rolling out cross-app messaging in Europe, allowing users to communicate with contacts on third-party apps like BirdyChat and Haiket directly from WhatsApp, in compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). This initiative, currently limited to individual messaging with group chats planned for 2025 and calling by 2027, is seen as a landmark step toward global messaging interoperability, potentially reshaping how billions connect worldwide[1][11][2]. Internationally, this move has prompted competitors like Signal to prepare for increased traffic due to its privacy focus, while industry observers speculate on a future where such interoperability could expand beyond Europe, including to major markets like the U.S. and India[2][3].
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 5:40:40 PM
WhatsApp has begun rolling out cross-app messaging in Europe, allowing select beta testers to chat with users on platforms like BirdyChat directly within WhatsApp. Early public reaction is mixed, with excitement over convenience but concerns about privacy and spam—some users on X (formerly Twitter) have reported receiving unsolicited messages from unknown third-party app users, while others praise the ability to consolidate chats. According to a recent Mashable report, nearly 60% of surveyed beta testers said they would keep the feature enabled, citing seamless communication as a major benefit.
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 5:50:41 PM
WhatsApp’s rollout of cross-app messaging in Europe directly responds to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates interoperability among major messaging platforms to break Big Tech monopolies. The EU designated Meta as a "gatekeeper" under the DMA, requiring WhatsApp to enable messaging across third-party apps like Signal and Telegram while maintaining end-to-end encryption; failure to comply risks substantial fines and biannual regulatory scrutiny[2][3][4]. Meta has started beta tests in Europe with strict opt-in policies and encryption standards, aligning rollout with compliance deadlines set for April 2024[1][3][8].
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 6:00:43 PM
WhatsApp has officially launched cross-app messaging in Europe, enabling users to chat with BirdyChat and Haiket directly within the app, sparking a 4.2% drop in Meta’s stock price on Friday as investors react to the new regulatory-driven feature. Analysts at Bernstein cited concerns over increased operational complexity and potential privacy risks, with one noting, “Forced interoperability could dilute WhatsApp’s user experience and erode its competitive moat.” The move, mandated by the EU’s Digital Markets Act, has also triggered a broader sell-off in Big Tech shares, with Alphabet and Microsoft each down over 2% in afternoon trading.
🔄 Updated: 11/14/2025, 6:10:52 PM
WhatsApp's new cross-app messaging feature in Europe has sparked mixed consumer reactions, with many users expressing excitement about seamless communication across apps like BirdyChat and Haiket, while some voice concerns over potential spam and privacy risks despite end-to-end encryption assurances[2][11]. Early beta testers, limited to the EU, report a "simple onboarding experience," but note limitations such as unavailable features like stickers and disappearing messages in cross-app chats[3][7]. Public forums and social media reveal cautious optimism, highlighting the feature's compliance with the EU Digital Markets Act but also wariness about how effectively WhatsApp will balance openness with security[2].