WhatsApp expands cross‑platform messaging in the European Union
Meta has announced a landmark move for the European Union’s digital messaging landscape: WhatsApp will officially interoperate with two third‑party services, BirdyChat and Haiket. This makes BirdyChat and Haiket the first non‑Meta messaging apps to connect with WhatsApp, a development that aligns with EU rules intended to foster competition and consumer choice in digital markets.
Since 2023, Meta has been gearing up to open its messaging ecosystem to compliant third‑party platforms. The EU’s regulations mandate interoperability among major messaging providers to prevent market fragmentation, reduce lock‑in effects, and give users more control over their communications. The initial phase focuses on basic messaging capabilities, with additional features likely to follow as platforms adapt to privacy, security, and user experience standards.
What this interoperability means for users
For everyday users, the move could simplify conversations across different apps. A WhatsApp user might find that messages from a BirdyChat or Haiket contact can be sent and received without switching apps. The objective is to deliver a seamless experience while maintaining the end‑to‑end encryption and privacy protections users expect from WhatsApp.
Interoperability will be rolled out in a controlled manner, with Meta testing how best to route messages, sync contacts, and handle presence information across platforms. In practice, this can mean unified contacts lists, cross‑app chat threads, and consistent notification behavior—without sacrificing security features that are central to WhatsApp’s service integrity.
Security, privacy, and user consent
Privacy remains a core pillar of WhatsApp’s value proposition. The EU’s interoperability rules require strict adherence to data protection standards and transparent user consent. Messages are designed to retain end‑to‑end encryption where possible, and any data shared between apps will be governed by explicit permissions and robust governance practices. Consumers should be able to opt in or out of cross‑app features and control what data is transmitted between platforms.
Tech teams from BirdyChat, Haiket, and WhatsApp are likely to collaborate on standardized security protocols, consent flows, and incident response plans. The focus is not only on enabling communication but also on preventing abuse, phishing, and spam that could exploit a multi‑platform environment.
What BirdyChat and Haiket bring to the ecosystem
BirdyChat and Haiket join WhatsApp’s global footprint by offering popular features, user bases, and regional relevance that complement Meta’s platform. As first‑mover participants in the EU interoperability initiative, they will pilot cross‑app messaging in real‑world conditions. Their involvement helps to validate technical interoperability guidelines, ensure reliable delivery, and refine user experience across different apps.
This collaboration signals a broader aspiration: a more competitive digital messaging landscape in Europe where users can choose a preferred client while maintaining trusted security standards. The long‑term view is that interoperable messaging could spur innovation and drive better privacy controls across the entire ecosystem.
Regulatory context and future milestones
The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA) framework underpins this initiative. By creating interoperable messaging channels, the EU aims to curb gatekeeper dominance, enhance consumer choice, and promote fair competition among tech platforms. Meta’s progress with BirdyChat and Haiket will be watched closely by regulators, industry players, and privacy advocates alike as a benchmark for how cross‑app communication can be delivered responsibly.
Looking ahead, additional third‑party services may join the interoperable network if they meet technical, security, and privacy thresholds. Consumers can expect more transparent terms of service and clearer controls for cross‑app interactions in the months to come.
What this means for the future of messaging in the EU
The move marks a pivotal step toward a more open and interoperable messaging environment in the EU. For users, it could translate into more flexible communication, fewer silos, and stronger privacy governance. For developers and competitors, it creates a legitimate pathway to expand reach while adhering to EU standards. If the BirdyChat‑Haiket‑WhatsApp interoperability demonstrates stability and security at scale, the EU’s model could become a reference point for global messaging ecosystems.
As this initiative unfolds, users should stay informed about the availability of cross‑app features, consent options, and any changes to privacy notices. The ultimate goal is clear: keep conversations secure, give people true choice, and encourage innovation without compromising trust.
