Text outside application boundariesNew feature! WhatsApp allows chat with other messengers for the first time
WhatsApp is open to third-party messengers. (symbol image)
Nico Tapia/dpa-tmn
Chat without both of you having to have WhatsApp!
According to the messaging service, this is now possible because: WhatsApp opens up third-party apps. This means you can also text with people using other services. But there’s also a catch.
This is how you activate a new chat
WhatsApp’s new openness to other messenger services is not entirely voluntary. Instead, the EU has required large platforms such as the company Meta to do so through the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Interesting news for users: In theory, you can also chat with people who don’t use WhatsApp – or send them pictures, videos, voice messages, or documents. According to the company, all messages will continue to be encrypted during transmission. WhatsApp cannot see the sent content.
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To use this new function, you must first enable third-party chat. To do this, go to WhatsApp settings, click Account, then third-party chat, then Enable and Next. Finish!
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Security loopholes via external chat?
The downside: “Chat with third-party apps is only available in certain regions”explains WhatsApp in the FAQ. Meaning: Only WhatsApp accounts that have been registered with a mobile phone number from areas where EU law applies can use this function. No problem for accounts registered in Germany!
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However, the new service initially only works for iPhones and Android phones. Additionally, WhatsApp warns: “Other people who know your phone number can find and contact you via the third-party messaging service you choose.” This may also apply to users you have blocked.
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Functionality starts with this third party
And: “Third-party apps have their own policies and may use your data differently than WhatsApp.” So be careful: According to WhatsApp, this new function may also pose data protection risks, spam and increased cases of fraud.
First of all, this new service started very small. As The Verge reports, WhatsApp users will initially only be able to chat with users of third-party messengers BirdyChat and Haiket. (xas)
Sources used: WhatsApp, The Verge
