They are removing the cross-app feature. Meta is disconnecting Facebook chats on Instagram, and vice versa.
The company introduced the optional cross-app feature in 2019, combining its messaging platforms (Messenger and Instagram, while WhatsApp remained separate). However, a recent Instagram support page, discovered by 9to5Google, indicates that the chat integration will be eliminated by mid-December.
Meta is Ending Messenger Chats on Instagram
Once the feature is stopped, users won’t be able to initiate new conversations or calls with Facebook accounts through Instagram. Meta also announced other changes, including:
- All previous chats with Facebook accounts will turn into read-only mode for users, and sending new messages will no longer be possible.
- Users won’t allow Facebook accounts to see their Activity Status or whether a message has been read.
- Chats a user had with Facebook accounts won’t transfer to their inbox on Facebook or Messenger.
While no explicit reasons were provided for these changes, some speculate that they might be influenced by Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). In September of this year, the European Commission accused six tech giants, including Meta, of “gatekeeping.”
The DMA’s Promise and Meta’s Pivot: Unraveling the Shift in Social Media Dynamics
Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for Internal Market, stated in September, “The DMA will open the gates to the internet, offering more choice for consumers and reducing obstacles for smaller competitors.
Meta’s decision to terminate Messenger chats on Instagram marks a significant shift in their messaging platform strategy. This move, announced in a support page on Instagram, signifies the end of an era where users could seamlessly communicate across Meta’s social media platforms.
The cross-app feature, introduced in 2019, aimed to integrate messaging services across Messenger and Instagram, while WhatsApp retained its autonomy. However, as of mid-December, this integration is being dismantled. Users will no longer have the option to initiate new conversations or calls with Facebook accounts through Instagram. Existing chats with Facebook accounts will transition to read-only mode, prohibiting the sending of new messages.
Moreover, this change extends to the visibility of user activities. Facebook accounts will no longer be privy to a user’s Activity Status or the status of message read receipts. The implications of these alterations are significant, reshaping the dynamics of communication within the Meta ecosystem.
The absence of a specific explanation for these changes has led to speculation. Some analysts suggest a possible correlation with Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). In September, the European Commission accused several tech giants, including Meta, of “gatekeeping,” indicating a potential regulatory influence on Meta’s strategic decisions.
In the broader context, Meta’s move raises questions about the evolving landscape of social media integration and user experience. As the company navigates regulatory challenges and user expectations, the discontinuation of Messenger chats on Instagram reflects a pivotal moment in Meta’s ongoing efforts to redefine its role in the digital realm.
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