The European Union has officially classified WhatsApp as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), subjecting the Meta-owned messaging service to stricter regulatory oversight and enhanced content obligations.
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The designation, announced in a statement published on the European Commission’s website, follows WhatsApp’s rapid growth in the EU, where it now records over 51 million monthly active users, exceeding the DSA’s 45-million-user threshold for heightened supervision.
Under the new status, Meta has four months — until mid-May 2026 — to ensure WhatsApp fully complies with additional obligations imposed on VLOPs.
According to the Commission, these obligations include assessing and mitigating systemic risks linked to the platform’s operations, such as the spread of illegal content, disinformation, electoral manipulation, privacy violations, and risks to fundamental rights and freedom of expression, particularly involving minors.
“Following the designation, Meta, the provider of WhatsApp, has four months… to ensure WhatsApp complies with the additional DSA obligations for VLOPs,” the Commission stated.
Supervision of WhatsApp’s compliance will be conducted jointly by the European Commission and Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator.
EU regulators clarified that the designation primarily affects WhatsApp Channels, which is treated as a broadcasting feature distinct from private messaging. The Channels feature has surpassed 45 million monthly users across the EU, bringing it within the scope of stricter DSA rules.
WhatsApp’s most recent DSA transparency report showed the Channels feature averaged 51.7 million monthly active users across the 27-member bloc.
WhatsApp joins a growing list of platforms designated as VLOPs, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Shein, and Wikipedia.
The Commission is already investigating Facebook and Instagram for alleged failures to protect minors, while a separate and expanded probe is underway against X, including a new investigation into risks associated with its AI chatbot Grok, particularly over manipulated sexual content and potential child abuse material.
Last month, the EU issued its first-ever DSA fine, imposing a €120 million penalty on X for transparency violations.
The Digital Services Act is a landmark EU law aimed at holding major online platforms accountable and creating a safer digital environment. Platforms found in breach of the DSA face fines of up to 6% of their global annual turnover, alongside additional enforcement measures.
Meta is already under pressure in Brussels. In October 2025, EU regulators accused Facebook and Instagram of restricting researcher access to public data and failing to provide effective systems for reporting illegal content or appealing moderation decisions. The platforms are also under scrutiny for concerns over addictive features affecting children.
Separately, under the Digital Markets Act, the EU fined Meta €200 million, a decision the company has appealed.
The EU’s tightening grip on U.S.-based tech giants has drawn criticism from Washington. The DSA rules have previously been described by figures linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump as discriminatory and a form of censorship.
Despite diplomatic tensions and threats of retaliation, EU regulators insist enforcement will continue as they step up oversight of global digital platforms operating within the bloc.
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