Europe wants to impose limits on WhatsApp and change its functioning
Europe is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal and harmful content online, with a focus on platforms like WhatsApp. This push is primarily driven by the Digital Services Act (DSA), a significant piece of legislation designed to regulate digital services. The European Union is now considering designating WhatsApp as a "very large online platform" under the DSA framework. This designation would place WhatsApp under stricter scrutiny and impose more stringent obligations. As a very large online platform, WhatsApp would face increased requirements to remove illegal content, combat disinformation, and enhance transparency regarding its algorithms and content moderation practices. The DSA's reach extends to platforms with over 45 million monthly active users in the EU. These measures would directly impact WhatsApp's operations within the European market. It would force the platform to make significant adjustments to its content moderation systems and policies. Broader implications include increased accountability for tech companies and a potential shift towards greater user protection and content control across digital platforms operating in the EU, furthering European digital sovereignty.
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