Tuesday: EU reclassifies WhatsApp, CCC criticizes Federal Ministry of Justice
The European Union has reclassified WhatsApp as a "very large online platform" under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This move signifies a significant regulatory development, subjecting the messaging service to a stricter set of transparency and accountability obligations. The reclassification underscores the EU's ongoing efforts to rein in the power of major digital players operating within its borders. Under the DSA's framework, WhatsApp will now face enhanced requirements related to content moderation, risk assessment, and data reporting. These new obligations aim to foster greater transparency in algorithmic content dissemination and user profiling, potentially impacting how the platform operates and manages user data. The EU is increasingly focused on ensuring fair competition and user protection across its digital single market. This reclassification directly affects Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, by imposing new compliance burdens. It also has broader implications for the digital landscape in Europe, potentially setting a precedent for how other large online platforms are governed. The increased scrutiny on platforms like WhatsApp reflects the EU's commitment to strengthening its digital sovereignty and ensuring a more accountable online environment for its citizens.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
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