WhatsApp seems to be exploring a new feature that might let it connect with other messaging apps.

This move is in line with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which calls for chat interoperability.

In the latest WhatsApp beta version, there's a mysterious section called "Third-party chats," although it currently appears empty.

It's an intriguing hint that WhatsApp could be gearing up for cross-app communication.

📝 WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.19.8: what's new?

WhatsApp is working on complying with new EU regulations by developing support for chat interoperability, and it will be available in a future update of the app!https://t.co/XI6zMoOD5P pic.twitter.com/Jpd9Leh2Ki
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) September 10, 2023

Back in July, the EU identified seven major tech players, including Meta (WhatsApp's parent company), Apple, and Microsoft, as "gatekeepers."

These gatekeepers are now required to enable interoperability with third-party services, including messaging apps.

Meta has a task at hand – to make WhatsApp compatible with apps like Signal and Telegram by March 2024.

This means users on different platforms could chat with WhatsApp users, but WhatsApp users might have the option to opt out.

The details of this cross-messaging feature are still under wraps, but they're likely to maintain end-to-end encryption.