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Zuckerberg plans to integrate WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger by 2020
- Mark Zuckerberg plans to integrate Facebook’s various messaging platforms into one mega platform.
- Users on Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp would all be able to communicate, regardless of the app they are using.
- Zuckerberg also wants end-to-end encryption for all three chat platforms.
According to anonymous sources speaking with The New York Times, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg plans to integrate the company’s various messaging platforms into one mega platform.
The platforms would include Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, all properties owned by Facebook.
In order for this to be possible, Zuckerberg has assigned developers from the three sites to reformulate the core code of each service so they can be unified. As of now, the three apps are all coded differently so integration would be difficult or even impossible
Zuckerberg hopes to get the integration ready to launch by 2020.
To be clear, integrating the three platforms would allow someone who only has a Facebook account to message someone who only has a WhatsApp account or Instagram account, or any combination thereof. Whichever platform you use or don’t use won’t matter — you’ll be able to contact anyone as long as they use at least one of the three.
The three platforms would still be separate, however, in that Facebook Messenger would still be called Messenger, etc.
Zuckerberg also wants to have all three platforms to feature end-to-end encryption, so any message you send to whichever platform will be secure.
Three of the biggest chat apps unified and featuring end-to-end encryption -- that's the dream.
According to the anonymous sources, Zuckerberg wants to increase the utility of the messaging platforms while also assuaging user concerns about privacy. The ultimate goal is for users to turn to Facebook properties for all their texting/chatting/video call needs instead of using rival services from other companies or SMS/MMS services through phone carriers.
This, of course, will allow Facebook to increase user engagement which will increase company profits.
This news is a stark reversal of Zuckerberg’s previous commitments to Instagram and WhatsApp, which were promised autonomy from Facebook when the company acquired them. So far, there have been no statements from Instagram or WhatsApp surrounding the rumors.
What do you think? Is this something that excites you? Or is this a non-starter for your communication needs? Let us know in the comments.