The newly-agreed European Union Law on Digital Markets requires messaging app developers to make their platforms work together.
The European Union said in a statement that law enforcement agreed for companies like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and iMessage to make their apps interoperable with smaller (interoperable) messaging platforms at the request of developers.
Thus if this law applies, users of small or large platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and iMessage can exchange messages, send files, or make video calls across messaging apps, giving users more choices.
Regarding the interoperability obligations for social networks, the board members agreed that the interoperability provisions will be assessed in the future.
While this law has yet to be passed, the language used by the European Union could force companies like Apple and Meta to open up systems they previously had complete control over. As currently Apple users can only send iMessage messages to fellow Apple device users.
With this law the European Union seems to want to force Apple to allow other messaging apps to interact with iMessage. Thus, if this law is passed, users can have conversations between iMessage users on iPhone and Telegram users on Windows PCs.
It's not clear whether large apps will have to work together in the future, for example WhatsApp users can send to iMessage, or vice versa, but the European Union says it is trying to find a way without over-regulating small businesses.
Meanwhile, from a technology perspective, creating interoperability, especially where encryption is involved, will be complicated. Previously, Meta had integrated several messaging systems, such as Instagram DM, being able to chat to FB Messenger.
Then Apple launched a more open version of iMessage, although FaceTime still can't be used between iPhone and Android users. It seems that the reason Apple didn't bring iMessage to Android was to keep consumers buying iPhones.
If the law passes, there will be business reasons pressing for the tech giant to comply with orders and open up its systems. The EU Commission will impose a fine of up to 10% of the company's global annual revenue.
If they do not comply, the fine will increase to 20% for repeated violations. The EU Commission can also prevent companies from acquiring them if they are deemed to have violated the rules.
Responding to this, Apple spokesman Fred Sainz said his party was concerned about the law that could create privacy and security vulnerabilities for users. Apple is also concerned about intellectual property rights that Apple has invested heavily in.
"We strongly believe in competition and in creating competitive markets that thrive around the world, we will continue to work with stakeholders across Europe in the hope of mitigating these security vulnerabilities."