WhatsApp and Telegram, two of the most popular instant messaging applications, are about to join forces. This unexpected collaboration is due to the new Digital Markets Law promulgated by the European Parliamentwhich seeks to revolutionize the digital landscape and benefit users by breaking down the barriers between rival applications.
The Digital Markets Act, also known as DMA, is a revolutionary regulation that aims to mark a before and after in the digital sector. This controversial legislation Its main objective is to protect users and restrict the powers of technology companies.
One of the crucial points of this regulation is interoperability between applicationsan aspect that companies must comply with at all costs, according to the report Computer Today.
The DMA requires that instant messaging applications are no longer isolated, and that users can use them in an indistinguishable way. To ensure compliance with this regulation, Fines are established that can reach up to 20% of the turnover of companies that do not comply with the rules..
Will they comply with the new measures?
WhatsApp is already working on the implementation of the technologies necessary to comply with the Digital Markets Law. Information has been leaked, thanks to WABetaInfo, revealing that the app is developing the ability to interact with other messaging apps.
A leaked screenshot shows a new section within the app called “Third-party chats.”which means users will be able to engage in conversations with people using other apps.
Although a specific date for the implementation of this novelty has not yet been established, WhatsApp and Telegram will allow users to send and receive messages between the two platforms. However, this interoperability will not be limited only to these two applications, since it will apply to all instant messaging apps.
The apps with the largest number of users will be the most affected by this new regulation, as it is designed to end their dominance and give power back to users, allowing them to use any app to communicate with their contacts, instead of be limited to the most popular.