Phones Canada is excited to share the latest updates from Meta regarding WhatsApp and Messenger in compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) coming into effect on March 7th in the EU. These changes are aimed at enhancing interoperability with third-party messaging services, ensuring a seamless messaging experience for users across different platforms.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
– The DMA requires designated messaging services to enable interoperability with third-party services that meet specific criteria, including technical and security standards.
– Users of third-party providers can now exchange messages with Messenger or WhatsApp users who have opted in for interoperability.
– Meta has worked closely with the European Commission (EC) for almost two years to implement interoperability while prioritizing user security and privacy.
– Initially, the focus is on one-to-one text messaging, sharing images, voice messages, videos, and other attachments between individual users.
– Third-party providers seeking interoperability will need to sign agreements with Messenger and/or WhatsApp. Meta will assist them in meeting technical specifications.
– Both WhatsApp and Messenger use the Signal protocol for encryption to ensure secure communication. Third-party providers are encouraged to use this protocol for maximum security.
– To send messages, third-party providers encrypt message structures using the Signal Protocol and package them into XML message stanzas. Meta servers then deliver these messages to connected clients.
It’s important to understand that Meta’s end-to-end encryption (E2EE) promise requires control over both sending and receiving clients for privacy assurance. Without control over both endpoints, Meta cannot guarantee how third-party providers handle messages.
Meta is committed to transparency by providing clear information to users about interoperability and its impact on messaging privacy as more users join its interconnected network.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these changes will enhance your messaging experience across platforms!
