WhatsApp hits DSA: WhatsApp has surpassed a significant user threshold under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), making it subject to more stringent regulations. The popular messaging app now falls under the category of a “Very Large Online Platform” (VLOP), meaning it will need to take stronger actions against illegal and harmful content, or face hefty fines.
According to a filing from WhatsApp on February 14, the platform recorded approximately 46.8 million average monthly users in the European Union, measured over the six months leading up to December 2024. This user count surpasses the 45 million-user threshold defined by the DSA. As a result, WhatsApp will now need to comply with additional regulations aimed at addressing content moderation and safeguarding user rights.
In an email on Wednesday, European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier confirmed the news: “We can confirm that WhatsApp has published user numbers above the threshold for designation as a Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act.”
WhatsApp Must Meet Stricter DSA Requirements – WhatsApp hits DSA
The Digital Services Act, introduced by the European Union in 2022, aims to create a safer online environment by enforcing stricter regulations on large tech platforms. WhatsApp, now classified as a VLOP, will have four months to meet these new requirements, which include assessing and addressing risks linked to illegal content, online harms, and child protection. Platforms designated as VLOPs must also improve transparency and take stronger action to combat misinformation, hate speech, and other forms of harmful content.
Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to severe penalties, with fines reaching up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue. For a platform like WhatsApp, this could result in a significant financial penalty. Meta’s other platforms, Facebook and Instagram, have already been designated as VLOPs and are subject to similar requirements.
Meta’s Stance on EU Regulations
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has been a vocal critic of the European Union’s tech regulations, particularly the Digital Services Act. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and top lobbyist Joel Kaplan have both expressed concerns about the impact of these regulations on the company’s operations. The executives have even sought the support of U.S. President Donald Trump to challenge the DSA and other EU rules that they believe may be detrimental to Meta’s business interests.
In recent months, Meta has pushed back against the EU’s increasing regulatory pressure, arguing that the rules are too broad and impose excessive burdens on businesses. Despite the company’s objections, the EU has continued to move forward with its plans to regulate large tech platforms, aiming to ensure greater accountability and user safety in the digital space.
Implications for WhatsApp and Other Tech Platforms – WhatsApp hits DSA
WhatsApp’s new designation as a Very Large Online Platform marks a turning point for the platform. As part of Meta’s ecosystem, WhatsApp is now under closer scrutiny by EU regulators, who are concerned about the platform’s role in the spread of harmful content. While WhatsApp has been praised for its end-to-end encryption and commitment to user privacy, its size and influence in the digital space have raised concerns about how effectively it can moderate content and prevent the spread of misinformation.
WhatsApp’s new obligations under the Digital Services Act could lead to significant changes in how the platform operates. The app may need to implement new content moderation tools, improve transparency in its operations, and develop more robust mechanisms for reporting and removing illegal content. Additionally, the platform could be required to implement stronger protections for children and other vulnerable groups, who are often exposed to harmful content online.
The EU’s regulatory push is part of a broader global trend of increasing scrutiny on tech companies. In addition to the DSA, other countries are introducing or considering similar legislation aimed at holding tech giants accountable for their actions online. In the U.S., lawmakers are also discussing ways to regulate big tech, though the approach has been more fragmented and less aggressive compared to the EU’s comprehensive framework.
What’s Next for WhatsApp?
As WhatsApp works to comply with the Digital Services Act, the platform will likely face increased pressure to demonstrate its commitment to content moderation and user safety. The four-month deadline to meet the new requirements gives the platform little time to make necessary changes. WhatsApp will need to develop and implement new policies and technologies to ensure it is adhering to the DSA’s strict standards.
For Meta, the pressure is mounting to balance regulatory compliance with user privacy and experience. The company will need to navigate the complex landscape of global regulations while maintaining the trust of its users. The outcome of WhatsApp’s compliance efforts could set a precedent for how other tech companies address similar regulatory challenges in the future.
In the meantime, the European Union is expected to continue enforcing its tech regulations, ensuring that platforms like WhatsApp take more responsibility for the content they host. With the deadline approaching, all eyes will be on WhatsApp to see how it adapts to these new rules.
For more updates on the impact of the Digital Services Act on major tech platforms, visit New York Mirror.
