Breaking News: Meta's Plan to Comply with Digital Markets Act Unveiled - How It Could Impact Your Investments
Meta recently shared an update on its strategy to adhere to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a crucial European law aimed at fostering competition in digital marketplaces, particularly concerning its popular messaging apps, Messenger and WhatsApp.
Under the DMA, Meta is required to offer an option in WhatsApp and Messenger for users to connect with interoperable third-party messaging services and apps. To ensure compliance, Meta is incorporating notifications into both platforms to inform users about these integrations and alert them when new compatible third-party messaging apps become available.
Additionally, Meta is introducing an onboarding process in WhatsApp and Messenger where users can explore more about third-party chats and activate them. Users will have the choice to create a designated folder for third-party messages or opt for a combined inbox.
Looking ahead, Meta plans to implement group functionality for third-party chats in 2025 and launch voice and video calling in 2027, aligning with the DMA requirements. Moreover, the company aims to introduce "rich messaging" features for third-party chats in the future, such as reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts.
Meta emphasized its commitment to collaborating with third-party messaging services to deliver a safe and optimal user experience. However, the success of WhatsApp and Messenger interoperability features is not guaranteed, as major messaging operators like Viber and Telegram may not support them. Additionally, technical challenges, such as ensuring end-to-end encryption, could pose obstacles to implementation.
Notably, Meta has faced criticism for potentially breaching other aspects of the DMA. For instance, the European Commission questioned Meta's "pay or consent" ad model, which allows EU users of Facebook and Instagram to choose between a paid, ad-free experience or a free, ad-supported version, deeming it non-compliant with the DMA.
In conclusion, Meta's efforts to comply with the DMA's messaging-related clauses could have significant implications for investors and users of its platforms. Stay informed about these developments as they unfold to make informed decisions about your investments and financial future.