Meta Plans Cross-Platform Message Forwarding From WhatsApp
An American technology company, Meta, known in some regions for its controversial status and bans, is reportedly exploring a feature that would let WhatsApp users forward messages directly to other instant messaging apps, including Telegram. This update is described by The Verge in its coverage.
The feature, referred to as “Third Party Chats,” would enable encrypted messages to be shared across different messaging ecosystems using built‑in tools within Messenger. The information first surfaced in the Android beta build 2.23.19.8 for WhatsApp, where enthusiasts spotted the new option working inside the app.
According to The Verge, Meta’s introduction of Third Party Chats comes on the heels of regulatory scrutiny from the European Commission. The DMA, or Digital Markets Act, has added messaging services to a list of online platforms subject to new obligations. The DMA is scheduled to take full effect in March 2024, and it envisions easier exchange of information across compatible messenger apps while maintaining user privacy and security standards.
Alongside WhatsApp, the European Commission’s watchlist includes twenty-one other services, among them Google’s search engine, TikTok, and LinkedIn. The intent is to ensure fair competition and increased interoperability among major digital services within the EU market.
Industry observers have also discussed potential business implications, including the possibility that premium subscription models within WhatsApp could be part of the broader strategy as features evolve and user options expand. A former IT professional offered commentary on how such a pricing move might influence user adoption and platform dynamics in the near term.
As the market for interconnected messaging grows, regulators and providers alike are navigating questions about security, data portability, and user consent. Stakeholders continue to monitor how cross‑app communication could reshape messaging etiquette, data flows, and the competitive landscape across North America and beyond. In this evolving environment, the focus remains on delivering convenient, secure experiences for users while respecting regulatory frameworks and technician constraints that underpin modern digital communication. [Attribution: The Verge reporting on Meta’s planned Third Party Chats feature and EU DMA developments].