iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger could likely soon be required by the new EU law to start working with other smaller messaging apps.
Logo of WhatsApp, the popular messaging service bought by Facebook for USD $19 billion, seen on a smartphone February 20, 2014 in New York. Facebook's deal for the red-hot mobile messaging service WhatsApp is a savvy strategic move for the world's biggest social network, even if the price tag is staggeringly high, analysts say. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA
iMessage, WhatsApp and New EU Law
As per a news story by The Verge, the new Digital Markets Act could soon be requiring developers of various giant apps to make their software "interoperable."
As such, the European Union or EU said in its latest press release that lawmakers have already agreed to require massive messaging apps from Apple and Meta to work with other messaging firms. It may include iMessage, as well as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
iMessage, WhatsApp, Messenger Cross-Platform?
EU said in a statement that its lawmakers have "agreed that the largest messaging services will have to open up and interoperate with small messaging platforms."
In turn, the EU explained that it would allow even smaller messaging apps to connect with users of these giant firms.
For instance, users of the smaller messaging app could then send messages to those using iMessage without having to use the messaging service of Apple.
Chinese customers look at iphones at the official opening of the new Apple Store in the Sanlitun shopping area on July 17, 2020 in Beijing, China. The new store replaces Apple's first ever China store which opened in 2008 prior to the Beijing Olympics adjacent to the new location.
On top of that, the law could also require big tech firms to allow cross messaging features, including sending files and joining a video call.
That said, a WhatsApp user in a smartphone could then send documents to a person using a Telegram app on a Mac computer.
Essentially, it would work like how emails do, wherein a Gmail user could send an email to someone who is using Yahoo Mail without needing to jump from one platform to another.
However, The Verge noted in the same report that it is unclear in the press release of EU whether it would also require tech giants to open up their platforms to other massive services.
For instance, a WhatsApp user on an Android device could send messages and files to someone using iMessage on an iPhone.
Read Also: Upcoming WhatsApp Features Include Polls on Group Chats: Multi-Device Compatibility 2.0 Included
Digital Markets Act
It is worth noting that the Digital Markets Act or DMA of the EU is more than just that.
According to a recent report by 9to5Mac, the requirement for big tech services, like Messenger and iMessage is only some of the details of the new anti-competitive act.
The news outlet noted that the DMA will be affecting numerous tech giants, including Amazon, Google, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft, which draws more than 45 million users in the European region.
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Written by Teejay Boris
