WhatsApp Faces Stricter EU Regulations as User Base Grows
WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging platform, could soon face stricter regulations under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) following a significant increase in its user base. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, revealed in a recent filing on February 14 that WhatsApp Channels averaged approximately 46.8 million monthly active users in the second half of 2024.
WhatsApp Channels, which appear as feeds on the platform, are primarily used by news outlets and public figures to share updates. Under the DSA, these Channels are considered comparable to a social network. Platforms with more than 45 million monthly active users are classified as “Very Large Online Platforms” (VLOPs) and are subject to more stringent obligations.
“WhatsApp has published user numbers above the threshold for designation as a Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act,” said European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier in a statement to Bloomberg.
This development comes as the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, continues its efforts to regulate the dominance of U.S.-based tech giants. The Commission has introduced several legislations aimed at curbing the influence of these companies, a move that has drawn criticism from the new Trump administration, which has accused EU officials of overreaching in their attempts to regulate online speech.
Before WhatsApp is officially classified as a VLOP, the European Commission will need to formally rule on the matter.
WhatsApp Channels, which appear as feeds on the platform, are primarily used by news outlets and public figures to share updates. Under the DSA, these Channels are considered comparable to a social network. Platforms with more than 45 million monthly active users are classified as “Very Large Online Platforms” (VLOPs) and are subject to more stringent obligations.
“WhatsApp has published user numbers above the threshold for designation as a Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act,” said European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier in a statement to Bloomberg.
This development comes as the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, continues its efforts to regulate the dominance of U.S.-based tech giants. The Commission has introduced several legislations aimed at curbing the influence of these companies, a move that has drawn criticism from the new Trump administration, which has accused EU officials of overreaching in their attempts to regulate online speech.
Before WhatsApp is officially classified as a VLOP, the European Commission will need to formally rule on the matter.
Next Story