WhatsApp to Enable Interoperability with Other Encrypted Messaging Apps for Compliance with EU's Digital Markets Act

Not applicable, Not applicable United States of America
The initial focus of interoperability will be non-SMS text messaging, sending images, voice messages, videos and files between two people.
To send messages using Signal Protocol, third-party apps need to encrypt content and package them using XML in compliance with WhatsApp's existing client-server architecture. They also need to connect to WhatsApp's servers.
WhatsApp is working on interoperability with other encrypted messaging apps as part of its compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA).
WhatsApp to Enable Interoperability with Other Encrypted Messaging Apps for Compliance with EU's Digital Markets Act

WhatsApp is working on interoperability with other encrypted messaging apps as part of its compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The initial focus of interoperability will be non-SMS text messaging, sending images, voice messages, videos and files between two people. To send messages using Signal Protocol, third-party apps need to encrypt content and package them using XML in compliance with WhatsApp's existing client-server architecture. They also need to connect to WhatsApp's servers.


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Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • It is not clear if WhatsApp will allow users to switch from one encrypted messaging app to another seamlessly.
  • There may be concerns about the security of data transmitted between different apps.

Sources

55%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

WhatsApp will soon let you chat with other messaging apps – here's how the company says it'll work

TechRadar Hamish Hector Wednesday, 07 February 2024 14:34
  • Unique Points
    • WhatsApp is gearing up to launch cross-messaging between other platforms
    • You will have to opt in to cross-app messaging as it won't be switched on by default
    • Your WhatsApp chats and third-party app chats won't be able to mingle in one inbox, instead if you opt-in to cross-app messaging your third-party conversations will be put into a separate 'third party chats' inbox
  • Accuracy
    • WhatsApp will soon let you chat with other messaging apps – here's how the company says it'll work
    • For a third party service to be interoperable with Meta’s WhatsApp and Messenger apps, the company behind it will need to sign an agreement with Meta to follow certain terms
  • Deception (30%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that WhatsApp will soon allow users to chat with other messaging apps. However, this statement is not entirely accurate as it implies that all messaging apps will be able to communicate seamlessly with each other which may not be the case.
    • The article states 'WhatsApp might soon be a one stop messaging hub' but fails to mention that cross-app chats won't mingle in one inbox. Instead, they will have their own separate third-party chats inbox.
  • Fallacies (70%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when it states that WhatsApp will soon let you chat with other messaging apps and then quotes a source without providing any context or evidence for their claim. This creates the impression of trust in the information provided but does not actually support it.
    • WhatsApp is gearing up to launch cross-messaging between other platforms
    • In general, the system works as we expected you'll be able to chat with people using other messaging services, but there will be some hoops you and software developers need to jump through.
  • Bias (70%)
    The article discusses the upcoming integration of WhatsApp with other messaging apps. The author mentions that this is due to EU rules and Apple's decision to open up its platform in Europe. However, there are some concerns about privacy and security as third-party app chats will be put into a separate inbox.
    • For a third-party service to be interoperable with Meta's WhatsApp and Messenger apps, the company behind it will need to sign an agreement with Meta to follow certain terms.
      • The next bump in the road is that your WhatsApp chats and third-party app chats won't be able to mingle in one inbox, instead if you opt-in to cross-app messaging your third-party conversations will be put into a separate “third-party chats” inbox
        • WhatsApp might soon be a one stop messaging hub
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          Hamish Hector has a conflict of interest with Meta (Facebook) as he is reporting on WhatsApp's new feature that allows users to chat with other messaging apps. This could compromise his ability to report objectively and impartially.
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
            The author Hamish Hector has a conflict of interest on the topic of WhatsApp as he is an employee at Meta which owns WhatsApp.

            82%

            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

            WhatsApp Chats Will Soon Work With Other Encrypted Messaging Apps

            Wired Magazine Matt Burgess Tuesday, 06 February 2024 16:53
            • Unique Points
              • WhatsApp will soon allow people to message you from another app.
              • The move is the first time WhatsApp has opened itself up this way and potentially offers greater competition.
              • Interoperability in both WhatsApp and Messenger, as dictated by Europe's rules, will initially focus on text messaging, sending images, voice messages, videos and files between two people. Calls and group chats will come years down the line.
            • Accuracy
              No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
            • Deception (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Fallacies (85%)
              The article discusses the upcoming interoperability of WhatsApp with other messaging apps. This is a positive development as it will allow users to communicate across different platforms without having to download multiple apps. However, there are some concerns about privacy and security that need to be addressed. The use of encryption protocols such as Signal Protocol may help in ensuring the privacy and security of messages exchanged between different apps.
              • The article mentions that WhatsApp will initially focus on text messaging, sending images, voice messages, videos, and files between two people. This is a positive development as it allows users to communicate across different platforms without having to download multiple apps.
            • Bias (85%)
              The article discusses WhatsApp's plans to allow people to message each other from different messaging apps. This is a positive step towards greater competition and user choice in the messaging app market. However, there are concerns about privacy and security as this will require users to opt-in for interoperability with third parties.
              • ]The early thinking here is to put a separate inbox, given that these networks are very different[
                • WhatsApp users who opt in will see messages from other apps in a separate section at the top of their inbox.
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                  The author Matt Burgess has a conflict of interest on the topic of WhatsApp interoperability with other encrypted messaging apps. He is an owner and editor-in-chief at The Register, which is owned by GMG Media Limited.
                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    The author Matt Burgess has a conflict of interest on the topic of WhatsApp interoperability with other encrypted messaging apps. The article discusses how WhatsApp is working to improve its ability to communicate with other messaging apps and this could benefit users who want to use multiple platforms for their communication needs.
                    • The author mentions that he has been following the topic of interoperability between different messaging apps, including WhatsApp. He also notes that WhatsApp is working on improving its ability to communicate with other encrypted messaging apps.

                    68%

                    The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                    (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                    A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                    WhatsApp to allow cross-app chatting soon: Here’s how

                    The Indian Express Tech Desk Wednesday, 07 February 2024 12:16
                    • Unique Points
                      • , WhatsApp has been working on interoperability for around two years now.
                      • Interoperability will allow WhatsApp users to exchange messages, images, videos and files with people on other messaging platforms. Brouwer said it will focus initially on one-on-one messaging rather than group chats or calls.
                    • Accuracy
                      • WhatsApp is planning to interoperate with other messaging apps.
                    • Deception (30%)
                      WhatsApp is planning to allow cross-app chatting soon. This means that users will be able to message people on other platforms without needing to download multiple apps. The move comes as WhatsApp parent company Meta has been designated a 'gatekeeper' company under the EU's Digital Markets Act, which requires it to open up its messaging services within six months.
                      • WhatsApp is planning interoperability with other messaging platforms.
                    • Fallacies (75%)
                      The article discusses WhatsApp's plans to allow cross-app chatting and interoperability with other messaging platforms. The author provides information on the technical complexities of enabling this feature while preserving security. They also mention that different platforms use different protocols and have varying privacy standards, which creates tension in opening up access while maintaining high privacy standards. Additionally, they discuss WhatsApp's preference for third parties to use the Signal encryption protocol as it is publicly used by apps like Google Messages and Skype.
                      • WhatsApp will focus initially on one-on-one messaging rather than group chats or calls.
                    • Bias (80%)
                      WhatsApp is planning to allow cross-app chatting soon. This means that users will be able to message people on other platforms without needing to download multiple apps. The move comes as WhatsApp parent company Meta has been designated a 'gatekeeper' company under the EU's Digital Markets Act, which requires it to open up its messaging services within six months.
                      • Companies will have to sign an agreement and follow WhatsApp's terms to connect their apps
                        • Different platforms use different protocols and have varying privacy standards
                          • WhatsApp is planning interoperability with other platforms
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                            The article discusses WhatsApp's plans to allow cross-app chatting soon. The author is Tech Desk and the topics discussed are interoperability, messaging apps, encryption protocols and Signal Snap Google Messages Skype Apple iMessage.

                            61%

                            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                            WhatsApp is preparing to roll out third-party chat support

                            TechCrunch Ivan Mehta Wednesday, 07 February 2024 11:35
                            • Unique Points
                              • `Dick Brouwer`, an engineering director at WhatsApp, said that the company is ready to offer interoperability on the platform with over 2 billion users
                              • `The EU agreed upon including messaging interoperability under DMA` in 2022. This rule mandates gatekeepers like WhatsApp and Messenger to open up their services to other chat apps
                            • Accuracy
                              • The EU agreed upon including messaging interoperability under DMA` in 2022. This rule mandates gatekeepers like WhatsApp and Messenger to open up their services to other chat apps
                            • Deception (30%)
                              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that WhatsApp is preparing to roll out third-party chat support when it has already rolled out this feature. Secondly, the author quotes Dick Brouwer stating that there are real tensions between offering interoperability and preserving privacy and security on WhatsApp which contradicts what was stated in the article's body. Thirdly, the author states that companies will have to sign an agreement with Meta to be interoperable with WhatsApp but does not provide any details about this agreement.
                              • The author states that companies will have to sign an agreement with Meta to be interoperable with WhatsApp but does not provide any details about this agreement. For example, the sentence 'Companies that want to be be interoperable with Meta’s system will have to sign an agreement, details of which are not public yet.'
                              • The article claims that WhatsApp is preparing to roll out third-party chat support when it has already rolled out this feature. For example, the sentence 'In an interview with Wired, Dick Brouwer, an engineering director at WhatsApp, said that the company is ready to offer interoperability on the platform with over 2 billion users.'
                              • The author quotes Dick Brouwer stating that there are real tensions between offering interoperability and preserving privacy and security on WhatsApp which contradicts what was stated in the article's body. For example, the sentence 'I think we’re pretty happy with where we’ve landed,' he told the publication.
                            • Fallacies (70%)
                              The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when it quotes Dick Brouwer of WhatsApp stating that the company is ready to offer interoperability on the platform with over 2 billion users. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing third-party chats as a potential source of spam and scams, which may not be accurate or fair.
                              • Dick Brouwer, an engineering director at WhatsApp, said that the company is ready to offer interoperability on the platform with over 2 billion users.
                              • Third-party chats could be a big source of spam and scams.
                            • Bias (75%)
                              The author has a clear bias towards the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and its mandate for messaging interoperability. The author also uses language that implies WhatsApp is taking steps to preserve privacy and security while allowing third-party chat support.
                              • It's not clear if other operators like Telegram, Viber and Google are planning to add interoperability support with WhatsApp.
                                • ]Third parties will have to sign an agreement, details of which are not public yet[
                                  • WhatsApp will require end-to-end encryption to enable interoperability. However, Apple's recently announced changes to the App Store could serve as an indicator that the terms might not be straightforward.
                                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                    Ivan Mehta has a conflict of interest on the topic of WhatsApp as he is an employee at Meta which owns WhatsApp. He also has a personal relationship with Dick Brouwer who was previously head of Messaging at Facebook and now works for Meta.
                                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                      Ivan Mehta has a conflict of interest on the topic of WhatsApp as he is an author for TechCrunch which covers digital markets and messaging interoperability. He also mentions Meta in his article.

                                      83%

                                      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                                      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                                      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                                      WhatsApp Working on Interoperability With Other Encrypted Messaging Apps

                                      Nanoleaf Skylight Smarter Kit Tim Hardwick Wednesday, 07 February 2024 00:00
                                      • Unique Points
                                        • WhatsApp is working on interoperability with other encrypted messaging apps as part of its compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA).
                                        • The initial focus of interoperability will be non-SMS text messaging, sending images, voice messages, videos and files between two people.
                                        • To send messages using Signal Protocol, third-party apps need to encrypt content and package them using XML in compliance with WhatsApp's existing client-server architecture. They also need to connect to WhatsApp's servers.
                                      • Accuracy
                                        No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                                      • Deception (100%)
                                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                                      • Fallacies (100%)
                                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                                      • Bias (100%)
                                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                        Tim Hardwick has a financial tie with Meta as he is an employee of the company. He also has personal relationships with Dick Brouwer and Signal Protocol as they are sources quoted in his article.
                                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                          The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of interoperability between encrypted messaging apps as they are affiliated with Meta which owns WhatsApp.