WhatsApp Hits 46.8 Million EU Users, Faces Stricter Regulations Under Digital Services Act

February 18, 2025
WhatsApp Hits 46.8 Million EU Users, Faces Stricter Regulations Under Digital Services Act
  • 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.

Summary based on 5 sources


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