Meta‘s messaging platform WhatsApp has crossed a crucial user threshold that will likely subject it to more stringent European Union regulations, according to EU officials and company filings.
WhatsApp’s channels feature averaged approximately 46.8 million monthly users in the European Union during the second half of 2024, exceeding the 45 million user threshold that triggers designation as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
“WhatsApp has published user numbers above the threshold for designation as a Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act,” European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier confirmed Tuesday.
The designation would require WhatsApp to implement stronger content moderation measures and conduct risk assessments regarding the spread of illegal or harmful content. Companies designated as VLOPs must also provide users with greater control over their data and the ability to opt out of recommendation systems and profiling.
The European Commission still needs to formally classify WhatsApp as a VLOP before the new requirements take effect. Under DSA regulations, companies face fines of up to 6% of their annual global revenue for non-compliance.
The milestone applies specifically to WhatsApp’s channels feature, which allows news outlets and public figures to broadcast content to followers. Regular private messaging activity does not count toward the VLOP designation.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, did not respond to requests for comment. The company’s other major platforms, Facebook and Instagram, are already regulated as VLOPs in the European Union.
The development comes amid increasing EU scrutiny of social media platforms, which has drawn criticism from US officials including Vice President JD Vance, who recently condemned European efforts to regulate online speech.
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