Meta has started rolling out a new feature that lets users exchange messages with contacts on select third-party messaging services directly through WhatsApp, bringing an end to the “app lock-in” for users in Europe.
This massive shift, which has been in development for over three years, is a direct result of compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). For WhatsApp users in the European region, this means the end of being forced to download a second app just to talk to a few of your contacts. And while it’s currently locked to Europe, the announcement makes me wonder whether similar interoperability could ever expand to regions like Kenya and the rest of Africa.
WhatsApp interoperability goes live with the first two partner apps
Meta says Europe-based users will soon start seeing an option in WhatsApp settings to enable third-party chats. Once enabled, they’ll be able to communicate with users on supported outside apps. The first two interoperable services are BirdyChat and Haiket, which have opted in and completed Meta’s technical integration requirements.
Supported content at launch includes:
- Text messages
- Images
- Videos
- Voice notes
- File attachments
Group chats with third-party users are coming later once partners are ready.
Built under DMA rules, but still end-to-end encrypted
A major concern around interoperability has always been security. Meta says third-party messaging apps are required to use the same level of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) as WhatsApp. Apps must also meet WhatsApp’s technical standards to ensure messages remain private and secure.
Crucially, the feature is opt-in. Users can turn it on or off at any time.
Could this expand beyond Europe? For now, interoperability is strictly a European requirement. Outside the EU, including in markets like Kenya, there’s no legal obligation forcing Meta to extend this capability.
Given WhatsApp’s dominance in Africa, Meta has little incentive to open the platform voluntarily. Still, the infrastructure now exists, setting a precedent that could make such expansion technically easier if regulators or market pressures ever push for it. But realistically? Europe is getting this because the law requires it. Other regions will likely have to wait for similar regulatory pressure, which doesn’t appear imminent.
Still, the start of third-party chats on WhatsApp marks a shift toward a more open messaging ecosystem, something users have wanted for years. The ability to chat across apps could reduce the friction of juggling multiple messengers and might eventually bring the industry closer to email-style universal communication.
For now, though, the rollout remains Europe-only. But it’s a significant first step, and one that may eventually influence how messaging works in the rest of the world, including Africa.
If more apps jump in, especially big ones like Telegram or Signal, this could completely reshape how people think about messaging platforms going forward.
