The European Commission will soon designate WhatsApp, Meta’s messaging service, as a “very large online platform” under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). This move subjects WhatsApp to stricter regulatory oversight by the European Commission.
This classification triggers comprehensive obligations for platforms with over 45 million monthly active users in the EU. Meta’s Facebook and Instagram already meet this threshold. These platforms must implement enhanced measures for content moderation, transparency, and continuous risk assessment to combat illegal and harmful content.
The DSA mandates “very large online platforms” to conduct regular risk assessments. They must identify systemic risks from illegal content, electoral manipulation, and disinformation. After these assessments, platforms must develop robust strategies and mitigation measures. This aims to create a safer, more accountable online environment for European citizens, with increased transparency in content moderation and clearer user redress options.
WhatsApp’s user base in the EU drives the proposed designation. The messaging giant reported approximately 46.8 million monthly users in the EU by the end of 2024. This figure comfortably surpasses the DSA’s 45-million-user threshold, reinforcing the European Commission’s intent for stricter scrutiny.
This classification expands Meta’s regulatory responsibilities and operational compliance across its dominant European digital platforms. The DSA, a landmark law, modernizes the legal framework for digital services. It standardizes and enforces greater accountability for major online intermediaries. The law ensures these platforms take proactive responsibility for content and systemic risks.
The move reinforces the EU’s commitment to regulating large digital platforms. It aims to foster a more responsible and transparent online ecosystem.