In an exciting twist, WhatsApp, Spain's leading instant messaging app, updates its Terms of Service and Privacy Policies today for all users in the European Region. This change responds to two new regulations of the European Union: the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Starting today, April 11, users will have to accept the new terms of service to continue enjoying the platform owned by Meta.
Among the most notable developments is the long-awaited interoperability, which will allow WhatsApp users to communicate with users of other messaging applications, such as Telegram, Facebook Messenger or Signal, without the need for them to have a WhatsApp account. In addition, the minimum age to access the platform will be modified and new international data transfer mechanisms will be implemented.
Discover the potential of interoperability in WhatsApp
Interoperability is, without a doubt, the most anticipated modification by users. This function will facilitate communication with other instant messaging applications, taking into account that the platforms will have to encrypt the content using the Signal protocol and then share it in XML files.
Dick Brouwer, director of engineering at WhatsApp, explains that the main objective of this change is offer interoperability with third parties while preserving privacy, security and integrity. Initially, interoperability will focus on text, voice, image, video and file messaging, although group calls and chats will be added later.
Choose whether you want to use interoperability
It is important to highlight that interoperability will be optional. Users will be able to choose if they want to use it or not. If you decide to try it, you'll see messages from other apps at the top of your inbox, in a section called 'third-party chats'.
According to statistics, More than 80% of Spanish users use WhatsApp more than once a day. With the incorporation of interoperability, communication between different platforms is expected to be more fluid and efficient.
Discover the new WhatsApp interface
In addition to interoperability, WhatsApp has also renewed its interface. The old green navigation bar, which had four tabs ('Chats', 'Status', 'Calls' and 'Communities'), has been replaced by a new white bar with a more minimalist and modern design.
The new interface has been deployed with the Android version 2.24.6.77 and is now available to all users of the platform. If you have not yet received this 'facelift', we recommend update the app from Google Play to get the latest news.
Embrace the future of instant messaging
With the introduction of interoperability, WhatsApp takes a significant step towards the future of instant messaging. This function not only will facilitate communication between different platforms, but will also offer users greater flexibility and convenience when it comes to staying in touch with their loved ones.
In addition, the new WhatsApp interface provides a touch of freshness and modernity to the application, improving the user experience and adapting to current design trends.
In short, the changes introduced by WhatsApp today mark a milestone in the history of instant messaging. Interoperability and the renewed interface are just the beginning of a new era in which communication between different platforms will be more fluid and accessible than ever. Get ready for a more connected and versatile messaging experience with WhatsApp.
I am Sebastián Vidal, a computer engineer passionate about technology and DIY. Furthermore, I am the creator of tecnobits.com, where I share tutorials to make technology more accessible and understandable for everyone.