- Interoperability in the EU: WhatsApp will allow chatting with Telegram or Signal contacts without leaving the app.
- Optional feature with full control: combined or separate tray and notification settings.
- At first it is limited to basic functions: text, photos, videos, voice notes and documents.
- Status updates, stickers, and temporary messages are excluded; available to users in Spain and the EU.
WhatsApp is preparing to open the platform to third-party chats in European territoryThis is a significant step that will allow users to chat with people using other apps without leaving the app. The move It complies with the requirements of the Digital Markets Act and aims to let each user decide how they want to interact with external services.
La This new feature can be activated or deactivated at any time. and will offer options for managing the inbox. In Spain, and in the rest of the European UnionThis interoperability will first focus on the essentials to make the experience familiar yet controlled.
What changes with the arrival of third-party chats
La Interoperability is mandated by European regulations.which forces the major platforms to open up to third-party messaging servicesTherefore, the feature will only be enabled on accounts registered with the European Region, encompassing users in Spain and the rest of the EU countries.
The system It will allow you to send and receive messages with contacts who use other apps. (for example, Telegram or Signal) directly from WhatsApp. You can start a chat or create a group in the Meta app and Invite people who don't use WhatsApp, keeping the conversation in one place.
- Basic compatible communication: text messages.
- Media content: photos and videos.
- Voice messaging: voice notes.
- Productivity: documents and files.
Usage controls and inboxes
By activating the feature, each user will be able to choose how to view this content: one combination tray (all together) or a separate view to distinguish between native WhatsApp messages and those arriving from other platformsThis organization helps to clearly see, at a glance, where each conversation originates from.
In addition, it will be possible to adjust the notification settings specifically for third-party messages and define parameters such as file upload quality; You can even configure a answering machineThis allows everyone to tailor the experience to their preferences, avoiding surprises or unnecessary data consumption.
Current limits on chats with external services
To ensure a stable launch, interoperability will begin with basic functions and leave some features out in this first stage. WhatsApp indicates that it will expanding and improving With time, but without rushing and focusing on what is essential.
- There will not be status updates in these chats.
- The stickers They will not be available initially.
- The disappearing messages They will not apply to conversations with third parties.
Availability in Spain and the rest of the EU
The tool will be enabled for European users Because the Digital Markets Act focuses on the European Union market and applies to large platforms operating within it. Consequently, Interoperability will be offered in Spain and other EU countries., keeping control in the hands of each user.
A key point is that the option is totally volunteer: if at any point If you prefer not to mix platforms, simply deactivate it.This direct management reduces friction and makes it clear that the user defines the experience.
With the arrival of third party chatsWhatsApp takes a significant step towards compatibility with other messaging services in Europe: interoperability focused on the basics, clear limits (no statuses, stickers or temporary messages) and practical controls such as a combined or separate inbox, always with the possibility of activating or deactivating the function when convenient.
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