European Regulators Close In on WhatsApp: Messaging App May Face Stricter Scrutiny Under EU Digital Services Act
Meta's popular messaging app WhatsApp could be headed for a regulatory reckoning under the European Commission's stringent new rules, which are set to take effect soon. The platform's relatively modest user base may seem innocuous, but its recent growth in the European Union has crossed a significant threshold – 51.7 million average monthly active users as of June 2025, enough to qualify it for stricter oversight under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The DSA sets out a slew of rules governing digital platforms, particularly when it comes to removing illicit or harmful content. Companies found non-compliant risk facing fines of up to six percent of their global annual revenue – a punitive measure that could prove costly for Meta.
WhatsApp's Channels feature has long raised eyebrows among regulators due to its uncanny resemblance to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This discrepancy may have contributed to the platform's designation as a "very large online platform" (VLOP), an official status conferred upon services with over 45 million monthly users. VLOPs must adhere to the DSA, including stringent guidelines on content moderation.
Meta has been navigating the complex regulatory landscape for some time, having received fines and penalties related to its handling of user-reported content on Facebook and Instagram. The company's response to these criticisms raises questions about its preparedness for a possible WhatsApp designation under the EU Digital Services Act.
As Meta ponders the implications of a potential WhatsApp label, users may begin to notice changes in how the platform operates. With the European Commission actively exploring this scenario, it remains to be seen whether WhatsApp will soon face increased scrutiny and regulatory hurdles in the coming months.
Meta's popular messaging app WhatsApp could be headed for a regulatory reckoning under the European Commission's stringent new rules, which are set to take effect soon. The platform's relatively modest user base may seem innocuous, but its recent growth in the European Union has crossed a significant threshold – 51.7 million average monthly active users as of June 2025, enough to qualify it for stricter oversight under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The DSA sets out a slew of rules governing digital platforms, particularly when it comes to removing illicit or harmful content. Companies found non-compliant risk facing fines of up to six percent of their global annual revenue – a punitive measure that could prove costly for Meta.
WhatsApp's Channels feature has long raised eyebrows among regulators due to its uncanny resemblance to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This discrepancy may have contributed to the platform's designation as a "very large online platform" (VLOP), an official status conferred upon services with over 45 million monthly users. VLOPs must adhere to the DSA, including stringent guidelines on content moderation.
Meta has been navigating the complex regulatory landscape for some time, having received fines and penalties related to its handling of user-reported content on Facebook and Instagram. The company's response to these criticisms raises questions about its preparedness for a possible WhatsApp designation under the EU Digital Services Act.
As Meta ponders the implications of a potential WhatsApp label, users may begin to notice changes in how the platform operates. With the European Commission actively exploring this scenario, it remains to be seen whether WhatsApp will soon face increased scrutiny and regulatory hurdles in the coming months.
I'm low-key worried about what's gonna happen to WhatsApp if they get labeled as a VLOP. Like, 51.7 million users is crazy, but I guess that's why they need to be held accountable 
. The DSA seems like a good idea, though – we do need stricter rules on content moderation, especially with all the hate speech and harassment out there. 
But at the same time, WhatsApp has always been super chill about free speech, so this could get messy 
. I hope Meta is prepared for the fines and penalties that come with non-compliance... trust me, they won't be happy about it 
. This is all gonna make users more aware of their online presence, which is a good thing, but also kinda scary 
.
. Its also pretty interesting that theyre fining companies up to 6% of their revenue if they dont follow the rules... thats like, a lot of money 
. I wonder what changes users will notice if WhatsApp gets labeled as a VLOP 
. Will they start seeing more ads? More features being rolled out? Its all gonna be super interesting to watch unfold 
. I mean I get it, they need to follow some rules and whatnot, but do we really need 6% fines for not moderating content properly? That's crazy money 
.
, but not sure if they're ready for a whole new level of scrutiny. still, it's kinda cool how WhatsApp is growin' fast enough to catch the EU's attention 
. can't say I'm surprised tho, all these big players gotta follow the rules somehow 
They're finally cracking down on these big tech companies, and I don't blame 'em! I mean, we've all been complaining about how they treat user data and censor content for years now. But yeah, it's a bit worrying that WhatsApp might be next in line for a regulatory wake-up call. 51.7 million users is still just a drop in the ocean compared to Facebook and Instagram, but I guess that's what makes it "very large online platforms" 
... like we didn't know they were just borrowing features from their own other apps all along. And now they're gonna have to deal with a bunch of paperwork? 
51 million users, huh? Guess that's what happens when Facebook decides to give people an app 
.