Commission designates WhatsApp as Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act
The European Commission has formally designated WhatsApp as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This designation stems from WhatsApp’s ‘Channels’ feature exceeding the threshold of at least 45 million users within the European Union, triggering enhanced regulatory scrutiny for the messaging giant. WhatsApp, described as a hybrid service combining private messaging with online platform functionalities, now faces stricter obligations for its ‘Channels’ feature. While its core private messaging service remains outside the DSA's scope, Meta, WhatsApp's provider, must now meticulously assess and mitigate systemic risks. These risks include potential infringements on fundamental rights, freedom of expression, electoral integrity, and privacy. This designation places WhatsApp under direct supervision by the European Commission, in collaboration with Ireland's Digital Services Coordinator. Meta has a four-month period, until mid-May 2026, to fully comply with these new VLOP requirements, signifying a significant step in the EU's drive to regulate major digital services.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
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