According to Meta, WhatsApps Third-Party Chats feature will maintain end-to-end encryption.

According to Meta on Wednesday, WhatsApp will take some time to roll out the third-party chat feature to users. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the European Union (EU) went into effect on March 6 and mandates that within three months, platforms provide messaging interoperability for individual conversations in the region. However, citing difficulties in implementing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) architecture for third-party providers, Meta stated that the messaging platform will require more time than anticipated. Additionally, the company stated that features like audio and video calling, group chats, and other features will only be available after 2024.
In a thorough post, Meta explained how its interoperability features function, how it intends to integrate with other messaging services, and what obstacles stand in the way of it providing the feature to users by the deadline. The tech behemoth said that it has been working with the European Commission to develop an interoperability process that prioritizes safety and privacy for almost two years.
The social media behemoth claims that the primary cause of the delay is interoperability's technical difficulties. However, it hopes to have voice messaging, individual text messaging, and the ability for end users to share images, videos, and other attached files by the end of the year. Meta stated that adding group chat and calling features is still in its plans, but it did not give a timeframe.
Third-party providers will have to agree to allow third-party chats in order for interoperability with WhatsApp to be possible. "We would prefer that third-party providers use the Signal Protocol to maximize user security. We will, however, permit third-party providers to use a compatible protocol if they can show that it provides the same security guarantees as Signal, as this needs to function for everyone, Meta continued.