As noted by Wired, WhatsApp wants the messaging services it connects with to use the same Signal Protocol to encrypt messages. Meta is also open to apps using alternate encryption protocols so long as companies can prove “they reach the security standards that WhatsApp outlines in its guidance.” The third-party services will also have to sign a contract with Meta before they plug into WhatsApp, with more details about the agreement coming in March.
↫ Emma Roth at The Verge
They way this should work is that these megacorporations create free and open APIs any instant messaging application can tap into. I’m not looking to bring other services into WhatsApp; I’m looking to bring all services together in one unified application that respects my platform’s conventions and integrates properly with the operating systems I use. I feel like this contractual interoperability Facebook (and Apple) is offering is not interoperability at all, and does not reflect the spirit of the Digital Markets Act.
Of course, did you really expect any different? The companies affected are going to go over the requirements with a fine-toothed comb to locate loopholes that allow them to maintain their dominant market positions. That is exactly *why* they were subjected to the Act in the first place. Hopefully the EU decides to either adjust the Act to close the loopholes or comes down hard on the attempts at technical avoidance.
The true solution is widespread adoption of decentralized protocols like https://tox.chat/ when it get mature enough. This remove the abusive monopolistic companies from the equation.
gagol2,
You’re right about the important role decentralization has on our tech. However without the assets and promotion of incumbents, it’s an uphill battle to grow market share. Today’s landscape isn’t very friendly to P2P and whether I like it or not, most people can’t be bothered to care about real independence from monopolistic companies.
I agree 100% about the difficulties but i believe over time it can prevail. Who taught linux would end up everywhere in 1995?
My first smartphone was the incredible Nokia N900. The primary messaging app had full support for text messaging, AOL instant messenger, Google chat, and many others, all fully integrated in a single user interface. It was WONDERFUL. I was shocked when I asked my friends who used Android and iPhone about messaging and found out that was NOT the norm.
Same for the Palm Pre 2 for me. It was glorious, while it lasted….
Well the funny part here is no other messaging app has to connect to whats app as the EU only identified Meta services (Not even imessage) as a gatekeeper
I don’t see anyone connecting to them any time before just like I don’t see any serious 3rd party Apple App stores anytime soon.
Windows Sucks,
I would be more optimistic than that, an fdroid-like app store would very likely, however apple’s plan still doesn’t appear to permit it. I hope the EU will crack down on apple and fully permit owners to independently sideload competing stores and apps. No apple imposed roadblocks and fees! Otherwise, it’s the same old “apple owns you”.