The EU’s newly agreed-upon digital markets act could require messaging app developers to make their apps work together if it ends up being passed.

Eu lawmakers agreed that the largest messaging services will have to open up and interoperate with smaller messaging platforms. Users of small or big platforms would then be able to exchange messages, send files or make video calls across messaging apps. co-legislators agreed that such interoperability provisions will be assessed in the future.

The EU wants to force Apple into letting other messaging apps interface with iMessage. The language in the press release is unclear on whether the big apps would have to work together.

The rules will take effect just over six months after the digital markets act is approved by the EU parliament and council. The rules are expected to take effect within six months.

Companies keep their messaging systems closed because they can, not because it’s impossible to make them work together. In more recent history, it seems Apple’s tune has changed – internal communications imply that Apple did n’t bring iMessage to Android so people would keep buying iPhones.

The EU can fine a company up to 10 percent of its global annual revenue. The commission is even able to prevent the company from making acquisitions if it’s deemed to systematically break the rules.

Apple spokesperson Fred sainz emailed a statement to the verge. In a statement, Apple spokesperson said:”I’m not going to die”.

We remain concerned that some provisions of the DMA will create unnecessary privacy and security vulnerabilities for our users. We will continue to work with stakeholders throughout Europe in the hopes of mitigating these vulnerabilities.

Meta did n’t immediately respond to the verge’s request for comment. The Verge did n’t respond to requests for comment.