- WhatsApp Classified as VLOP: WhatsApp surpasses 45 million users in the EU, triggering stricter regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
- Stronger Compliance Measures: The platform must now enhance content moderation, restrict targeted advertising, and offer users greater control over personal data.
- Meta’s Expanding Regulatory Burden: WhatsApp joins Facebook and Instagram under the VLOP designation, increasing scrutiny on Meta’s digital operations in the EU.
Meta’s WhatsApp has officially been classified as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), subjecting it to stricter regulatory oversight. This designation comes as WhatsApp surpasses the 45 million user threshold set by the EU, requiring compliance with enhanced rules aimed at safeguarding digital consumers.
According to recent filings, WhatsApp Channels, the platform’s broadcasting feature, recorded an average of approximately 46.8 million monthly active users over the last six months of 2024. The new status means WhatsApp must adhere to a stricter regulatory framework, similar to other Meta-owned platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, which have already been classified as VLOPs.
The DSA mandates that VLOPs implement robust mechanisms to allow users to report illegal goods, services, and content while ensuring swift action against violations. Additionally, the legislation imposes strict limitations on data usage for targeted advertising, particularly for minors, in a bid to enhance digital privacy protections.
One of the significant changes under this regulation is the requirement for platforms to provide users with greater control over how their personal data is processed. WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy, published on February 16, reflects these changes, emphasizing transparency in data handling and compliance with the DSA’s provisions.
As the EU tightens digital regulations, WhatsApp’s new designation highlights the growing scrutiny faced by major online platforms operating in the region. With increased accountability, Meta’s messaging service joins the ranks of other VLOPs, facing new challenges in balancing regulatory demands with user experience.
