WhatsApp and Telegram merging: how to activate the surprising new feature
WhatsApp Introduces Interoperability with Telegram and Signal
WhatsApp users will now be able to receive messages from other applications, including competitors like Telegram and Signal.
This new feature is being introduced by Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp and former Facebook, as they officially open WhatsApp to other messaging apps.
Starting from April 11th, users will have the option to receive messages from other apps within WhatsApp.
This opportunity arises following the European Union’s request for increased “interoperability” among messaging platforms, as outlined in the Digital Markets Act to promote competition and transparency.
What Does This Mean for Users?
Although the ability to receive messages from Telegram on WhatsApp is entirely optional, users will find a new menu option within Settings that they must activate to start receiving messages.
Additionally, other changes are on the way for the world’s most popular messaging app.
Here’s everything you need to know and how to activate this new feature.
Understanding the Digital Markets Act
Article 7 of the Digital Markets Act regulates the requirements for interoperability, allowing the exchange of messages (both voice and text), photos, audio, video, and other files between individuals using different messaging apps.
Within two years, this option should also be available for group chats, and within four years for both individual and group voice and video calls.
However, the implementation of these changes is not immediate, as Meta requires the apps to be integrated to meet certain security requirements.
Furthermore, integration requests will not be initiated by WhatsApp, but by its competitors.
Other Changes for European Users
Among other updates for European users, there are stricter data management regulations by the American company.
WhatsApp will handle customer data under the “EU-US Data Privacy Framework,” a new agreement for transferring personal information between the EU and the US that came into effect last July.
Additionally, the age limit is being lowered from 16 to 13 years in Europe.
Activating the New Feature
As the option to receive Telegram messages on WhatsApp will be voluntary, users will need to manually activate this new feature.
WhatsApp is expected to introduce a new menu option called “Third-Party Chats” that will enable users to utilize this innovative feature.
This means that users will be able to exchange messages, photos, and videos with individuals using different apps, while still remaining connected to Meta’s platform.
To activate the interoperability feature, users should follow these instructions:
- Open the app and go to Settings.
- Select the Account option.
- Choose Third-Party Chats and activate the function.
- Select the third-party apps (such as Telegram, Signal) you want to interact with.
Once the setup is complete, messages from these apps can be viewed in a dedicated section within WhatsApp.
While it may take a few months for this collaboration to fully roll out, this new functionality represents a significant step towards making the messaging app experience more flexible and accessible.