The changes in WhatsApp They are relatively common and users have already become accustomed to it. However, the month of March comes with an important novelty, because the application has to adapt to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and allow interoperability.
Therefore, we are about to witness one of the most important changes in the history of this application, which will also influence the way we communicate.
What does interoperability mean between instant messaging apps?
The DMA Law requires that WhatsApp and the rest of the messaging applications be interoperable. This means that they must communicate with each other and share information in a fluid way and without problems arising.
For users, this means that we will be able to send and receive messages from other platforms without having to leave WhatsApp.
As you can imagine, this presents a challenge in terms of privacy and security. Therefore, in WhatsApp has not made the decision to do so until they have no choice. Now, the Digital Markets Law requires guaranteeing the interoperability of services and, if not done so, violators are penalized with a fine.
How will the news and changes work in WhatsApp?
We are going to find out very soon, but we already know that this interoperability affects text messages, images, voice messages, videos and files. And over time, the objective set by European Union regulations is for this functionality to extend to group calls and chats.
Imagine that you use WhatsApp and you have a friend who prefers to communicate through Telegram. With the change, He will be able to send you a message from Telegram and you will receive it on your WhatsApp. However, the app's interface will not change. You will not know if they are writing to you from the same or another application.
With this measure, the dominant position that WhatsApp has maintained for years in the instant messaging sector is alleviated to a certain extent. And it is that There were more and more complaints from users who were forced to use this app due to its wide adoption, although they would prefer to use another for their communications.
The Digital Markets Law of the European Union wants to facilitate the freedom of choice of users and, to do so, challenges the hegemony that large corporations have in the digital telecommunications space. Now, smaller apps are going to have a little easier time competing on equal terms.
Will this affect security?
No, as we said before, these changes in WhatsApp are going to be implemented in a way that security and privacy are well protected at all times.
The end-to-end encryption system that has given such good results in recent years will be maintained. So that the privacy of communication is preserved also when those who participate in a conversation do so through different platforms
Although the implementation process will take some time, it is known that the applications compatible with WhatsApp will be:
- iMessage.
- Facebook Messenger.
- Signal.
- Skype.
- Google Messages.
- Telegram.
All of these platforms must adopt the RSC standard to ensure that they can participate in this new form of connectivity.
What if we don't want interoperability?
No all the news from WhatsApp they like them equally. Although this change can be very practical and will improve communications, it may not be interesting for everyone.
Let's imagine that there are people to whom we have provided our contact through Telegram or Facebook Messenger, but We do not want your messages to be present on our WhatsApp. Well, nothing happens, because no one forces us to interoperability.
Each user can decide whether or not they want to open themselves to exchanging messages with users of other applications. Therefore, we must be attentive to make decisions when the functionality is finally activated.
Why is WhatsApp the most used instant messaging application?
The changes that are coming are imposed by the regulations of the Law to improve competition in the instant messaging apps sector. Even so, WhatsApp has a prominent role that is difficult to lose.
Millions of people have chosen it as their favorite app to connect with family, friends and co-workers, and they have done so for reasons like these:
Ease of use
Its simple and intuitive interface makes the use of WhatsApp accessible to all types of users, regardless of their age and level of experience in using technology. If someone is not able to write a message, you can directly choose to send a voice note.
In addition, its installation and configuration is very simple. Simply download the app and register the phone number.
Cross-platform availability
Although it started out as a mobile app, now we can also enjoy this instant messaging system on our computer. This has made communications even easier, because we stay up to date with what our contacts are saying even if we don't have the phone in front of us.
Versatile features
The app has been adding functionalities over time. Before we could only send text messages, now we can send images, videos, documents, real-time locations, send voice notes, make calls, create groups, etc.
Is free
Without a doubt, one of the keys to its success is that it is a free application. This has allowed it to be accessible to millions of people around the world.
We do not have to pay to have it on our mobile phone or to send messages or make calls, something that has facilitated communications on a global level. Especially in those countries where the cost of telephone communications is high.
Global adoption
Precisely for reasons like those we are seeing, WhatsApp is the most used instant messaging application worldwide. It has millions of active users in more than 180 countries.
Security and privacy
In recent years, The changes in WhatsApp have focused on improvements in privacy and security. Systems such as end-to-end encryption, or messages that can only be viewed once, have increased security.
The DMA Law is going to bring changes to WhatsApp that will improve and further streamline communications. In just a few weeks we will begin to see the adjustments.