Meta's WhatsApp messaging service has recently surpassed 45 million users, qualifying it as a 'Very Large Online Platform' (VLOP) under the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA).

In a filing dated February 14, 2025, WhatsApp reported an average of approximately 46.8 million monthly active users utilizing its Channels feature during the last six months of 2024.

European Commissioner Thomas Regnier confirmed WhatsApp's designation as a VLOP, which brings with it stricter regulatory requirements.

The DSA mandates that VLOPs provide users with greater control over their data, including options to opt out of recommendation systems and profiling.

The DSA imposes enhanced compliance obligations on platforms with over 45 million EU-based monthly active users, including mandatory risk assessments for illegal content.

This development underscores the EU's ongoing efforts to regulate digital platforms and protect consumers in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

The European Commission is currently determining whether WhatsApp will officially be classified under the DSA, which would subject it to the new regulations.

Should WhatsApp be classified as a VLOP, it will need to develop and implement a strategy for risk mitigation to comply with the DSA.

Meta's growth in WhatsApp Channels reflects a broader trend of increasing user engagement with social media and messaging platforms across Europe.

In contrast, messaging service Telegram reported that its EU public channel users remain significantly below the 45 million threshold, highlighting the competitive landscape among messaging platforms.

WhatsApp's compliance with these DSA regulations may necessitate significant operational adjustments to meet EU standards.

The DSA grants the European Commission enhanced regulatory authority, requiring transparent advertising, content moderation, and annual independent audits.