In a bid to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), the parent company of WhatsApp, Meta, has initiated testing a third-party chat feature, according to WABetaInfo. This feature, when activated, will enable WhatsApp users to engage with other instant messaging platforms. While the feature remains inaccessible for now, its presence in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.19.8 suggests it's in the development stage, marking a significant step towards Meta's encrypted messaging app embracing cross-platform compatibility.

The move comes shortly after the European Commission officially designated WhatsApp's owner, Meta, as a “gatekeeper” under the EU's Digital Markets Act. The DMA mandates that communication software, including WhatsApp, must interoperate with third-party messaging apps by March 2024. A screenshot shared by WABetaInfo highlights this development, emphasising the DMA's goal to prevent gatekeepers from imposing unfair conditions and to ensure the openness of digital services.