WhatsApp is actively preparing to comply with the European Union’s upcoming Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to foster competition among messaging apps by requiring interoperability. On the other hand, Apple is resisting these changes, arguing that its iMessage service doesn’t have enough European users to be subject to the law.
What is Messaging Interoperability?
The DMA aims to level the playing field for tech startups by requiring dominant messaging apps to offer interoperability. This means that a WhatsApp user should be able to exchange messages with a Facebook Messenger user, for example. Companies have six months to comply with the law once it’s enacted.
WhatsApp’s Proactive Approach
According to a recent 9to5Mac article, new code has been spotted in the latest version of WhatsApp, indicating the company’s efforts to introduce a feature called “third-party chats.” This feature is in line with the EU’s new regulations, and it appears that end-to-end encryption will be maintained when messaging between competing apps.
Apple’s Resistance
Apple is pushing back against the DMA, claiming that iMessage doesn’t have enough active users in the EU to be subject to the law. This claim seems unlikely given that iOS has about a 32% share of the EU market, providing access to iMessage for around 144 million people—more than three times the threshold for the law to apply.
Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp is actively preparing to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
- New code in WhatsApp suggests the introduction of a “third-party chats” feature.
- Apple is resisting these changes, claiming iMessage doesn’t have enough active users in the EU.
Conclusion
The DMA is a significant step by the EU to regulate the tech giants and promote competition. While WhatsApp seems to be taking proactive steps to comply, Apple’s resistance raises questions about how the law will be enforced. As the deadline for compliance approaches, it will be interesting to see how these tech giants adapt.
- Important Information:
- WhatsApp is preparing for EU law by working on a “third-party chats” feature.
- Apple is resisting compliance, claiming iMessage doesn’t meet the user threshold in the EU.
- Companies have six months to comply with the new EU law.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how WhatsApp and Apple are reacting to the upcoming EU regulations. For more updates, stay tuned.
