WhatsApp Will Soon Allow Users To Manage Third-Party Chats
WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is testing a new feature that will give users more control over their interactions with other platforms.
As per WABetaInfo, this feature, discovered in the latest WhatsApp beta update for Android (version 2.24.6.2), focuses on managing third-party chats within the app.
What are Third-Party Chats?
Previously announced in an earlier beta update, WhatsApp is developing support for “chat interoperability.” This feature essentially allows users to receive and send messages from other messaging apps, directly within the WhatsApp interface. However, privacy concerns arise when integrating external platforms.
Taking Control
To address these concerns and comply with EU regulations, the latest beta reveals WhatsApp’s work on two key functionalities:
- Disabling Chat Interoperability: This feature allows users to completely opt out of receiving messages from other platforms through WhatsApp. This aligns with Article 7 of the EU regulations, emphasising user control over data and communication preferences.
- Managing Individual Apps: Beyond a complete opt-out, users will have the option to choose which specific third-party apps can communicate with their WhatsApp. This allows for a more granular approach, enabling integration only with trusted services.
Benefits and Considerations
This granular control empowers users to personalise their messaging experience. They can choose the level of integration with other platforms, ensuring they only receive messages from services they trust. Additionally, the ability to completely disable chat interoperability provides users with the freedom to opt out entirely, should they choose to do so
