Whatsapp is preparing to change again, and it does so with a new proposal that promises to revolutionize the way users usually exchange messages. This is yet another function that Meta intends to make available to always appear captivating in the eyes of loyal users of the instant messaging platform, as well as to obtain new users, taking them away from the competition. The upcoming news, however, may not be risk-free.
What’s coming
The portal broke the news WABetaInfo, always at the forefront when it comes to analyzing what’s new on WhatsApp. According to the website team, the feature arriving on the platform is expected within this month, so we are talking about March. It is emphasized that the new interface which we will soon learn is not Meta’s choice in its entirety, it is rather an adaptation to European guidelines.
According to Digital Markets Act issued by the European Union, companies such as Meta, but also Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Microsoft and many others will have to adapt, guaranteeing interoperability between platforms. Users must therefore be guaranteed the possibility of exchanging messages and images with friends present on other applications. This is a real one antitrust measure, aimed at the protection and development of all applications, preventing these, even the smallest ones, from being overshadowed by the “big” ones. In essence, if a newborn company wanted to present itself on the market, it would not be completely eclipsed by a giant like WhatsApp, which is the most used instant messaging platform worldwide. Hence the requirement to guarantee intercommunication with third-party applications.
The new feature arriving on WhatsApp, which has until March to adapt, consists precisely of this. Users will have the ability to send emails in the future messages also to friends on other platforms, so that they can also be involved. Meta is thinking of a section called “Third Party Chats”.
Concern about risks
Not everyone, however, is enthusiastic about the new feature coming soon. With the’intercommunication In fact, between platforms, the risk of being victims of viruses or online scams will grow. The main problem, in fact, is precisely that of security and privacy. There are those who are already talking about even serious risks, with an increase in the circulation of phishing messages, with associated online fraud. Furthermore, not all applications adopt the same safety standards. WhatsApp guarantees end to end encrypted messages, but this is not done in other platforms.
At the moment, however, we know that this is not a integral change. For those who do not intend to switch to the new interface it will still be possible to leave things unchanged. Intercommunication between platforms will not be activated by default, but must be set by the user.