You can soon connect to WhatsApp users without installing WhatsApp

The Digital Markets Act that was enacted in May 2023 by the European Union has marked WhatsApp as a gatekeeper service. Gatekeepers are prevented from dictating prices, terms for users availing their service  while dealing with the same product in their platform and restricting use of business software available on their platform. 

In line with this development, WhatsApp would be bound to enable cross platform messaging in their apps within the next 6 months. This essentially means that those who do not have a WhatsApp account can still connect with WhatsApp users. This would be achieved through an update that allows chat interoperability. It is uncertain if this update would be made available to users outside the European Union as well. Other concerns remain as to how the end to end encryption that is being guaranteed by WhatsApp would sustain, were these updates to materialise. 

Google Search, Facebook, Apple App Store, and Amazon Marketplace have also been listed as gatekeeper services. Microsoft Bing, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Advertising, Apple iMessage, and Apple’s iPadOS are being investigated about whether or not they would have to be included into the list. The decision with regard to this would be taken in the next 6-12 months.