Messaging Interoperability

Given the strong network effects that gatekeepers benefit from in the provision of number-independent interpersonal communications services (NIICS), Article 7 of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires them to ensure interoperability with other NIICS providers. This measure aims to enhance market contestability in the provision of these services.

Upon request and free of charge, the designated gatekeeper must ensure that the basic functionalities of its NIICS interoperate with those of other providers, whether currently offering or intending to offer such services in the Union, by supplying the necessary technical interfaces or equivalent solutions to enable interoperability.

What does Article 7 mean?

Under Article 7 of the DMA, the designated gatekeeper must ensure interoperability for basic functionalities that it already provides to its own end users. The requirements are phased in over time, with specific deadlines tied to the designation decision.

Phase 1 – six months from the designation decision:

• end-to-end text messaging between two individual end users;
• sharing of images, voice messages, videos and other attached files in end to end communication between two individual end users;

Phase 2 – within 2 years from the designation:

• end-to-end text messaging within groups of individual end users;
• sharing of images, voice messages, videos and other attached files in end-to-end communication between a group chat and an individual end user;

Phase 3 – within 4 years from the designation:

• end-to-end voice calls between two individual end users;
• end-to-end video calls between two individual end users;
• end-to-end voice calls between a group chat and an individual end user;
• end-to-end video calls between a group chat and an individual end user. 

How does Article 7 work in practice?

The gatekeeper must publish a reference offer, setting out the technical specifications and general terms and conditions for interoperability with its number-independent interpersonal communications service.

Any provider of messaging services already operating or planning to operate in the Union may request interoperability with the gatekeeper’s services. Such a request may relate to some or all of the basic functionalities specified above. The gatekeeper shall fulfil any reasonable interoperability request within three months of receipt, ensuring that the requested basic functionalities are fully operational by that deadline.

In November 2025, the two first third-party NIICS interoperable with WhatsApp were launched. 

The Commission continues to engage regularly with the gatekeeper and third parties to ensure that the latter can fully leverage the opportunities offered by Article 7 of the DMA. Furthermore, the Commission continues to monitor the interest expressed by other third parties and the take-up of interoperability by users.

Which undertakings have been designated as gatekeepers in relation to their NIICS?

On 6 September 2023, Meta Platforms, Inc. was designated as a gatekeeper under the DMA with respect to two NIICSs: WhatsApp and Messenger. 

The applicable deadlines for compliance with the interoperability requirements under the DMA’s three-phase system (please see above) are set out in the table below.