WhatsApp May Face Tougher EU Scrutiny Under Digital Services Act – Here’s Why

📢 WhatsApp May Face Tougher EU Scrutiny Under Digital Services Act: Here’s Why

WhatsApp, the popular Meta-owned messaging platform, could soon face stricter regulations under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). This follows its recent filing, which revealed an increase in user engagement, particularly through WhatsApp Channels.

The European Commission monitors large digital platforms under the DSA’s Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) classification. If WhatsApp crosses the regulatory threshold, it will have to comply with stricter content moderation, transparency, and user protection measures, similar to social media giants like Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter (X).

🔹 Why is WhatsApp Under EU Scrutiny?

According to Meta’s filing on February 14, 2025, WhatsApp Channels had an average of 46.8 million monthly users in the second half of 2024. These public channels function as news feeds for influencers, media houses, and public figures, contributing to WhatsApp’s growing role as an information distribution hub.

📊 WhatsApp’s Growth & EU Regulations: Key Data

• 📈 WhatsApp Channels reached 46.8M monthly users (H2 2024 report).
• 🌍 Increased engagement in Europe, triggering DSA review.
• 🔍 Potential classification as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP).
• ⚖️ Stricter content moderation & transparency rules likely to follow.

⚖️ What is the Digital Services Act (DSA)?

The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a landmark European Union regulation that aims to increase accountability of digital platforms, tackle misinformation, and protect user data.

🔹 Key Objectives of the Digital Services Act:

• 🔍 Transparency Requirements: Platforms must disclose content moderation policies and ad targeting mechanisms.
• 🚨 Misinformation & Fake News Prevention: Companies must actively monitor and limit disinformation.
• 👤 User Protection & Privacy: Stronger GDPR-compliant policies for data privacy.
• 🚀 Competition & Market Fairness: Preventing monopolistic practices by big tech firms.

📢 How WhatsApp’s DSA Classification May Change?

Initially, WhatsApp was excluded from the **VLOP category** because it was classified as a private messaging service. However, the introduction of **WhatsApp Channels and public content sharing** has shifted its classification closer to **social media platforms**.

🔹 What Happens if WhatsApp Becomes a VLOP?

• 📜 Stricter Content Moderation: WhatsApp may need to monitor fake news and harmful content in Channels.
• 📊 Algorithmic Transparency: EU regulators could demand insight into WhatsApp’s AI-powered content ranking system.
• 💬 Enhanced Reporting Mechanisms: More user reporting tools for harmful content in WhatsApp Channels.
• ⚖️ Possible Regulatory Fines: Non-compliance could lead to fines up to 6% of Meta’s global revenue.

📊 WhatsApp vs Other Social Media Platforms Under DSA

Here’s a comparison of WhatsApp’s potential classification under DSA versus other social media and messaging platforms:

Platform	DSA Regulation Level	Primary Use	Content Moderation Rules	Transparency & Compliance
WhatsApp	Potentially VLOP	Messaging & Public Channels	Likely Stricter	Increased Oversight
Facebook	VLOP	Social Networking	Stricter EU Regulations	High Compliance Requirements
Twitter (X)	VLOP	Public Content Sharing	Moderate Restrictions	Moderate Compliance
Telegram	Not Classified Yet	Private Messaging	Limited Oversight	Lower Compliance

🛠️ Meta’s Response & Future Implications

Meta has yet to officially comment on WhatsApp’s potential VLOP classification, but industry experts predict that Meta may:

• 📜 Implement More Transparency Reports: WhatsApp may publish regular compliance updates as required by the DSA.
• ⚖️ Modify Its Algorithm & Policies: AI-powered recommendations in Channels could be adjusted.
• 🔍 Enhance User Moderation Tools: Stronger flagging mechanisms for fake news and harmful content.

📌 Final Thoughts: What’s Next for WhatsApp Under DSA?

WhatsApp’s role in digital communication is evolving, and its inclusion in the DSA’s stricter category could impact how it operates in Europe. If classified as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP), WhatsApp may have to comply with more stringent regulations, improve content moderation, and enhance user safety policies.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

• 📊 WhatsApp Channels averaged 46.8M monthly users in H2 2024.
• ⚖️ EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) aims to regulate online platforms.
• 🚨 WhatsApp could face new moderation, transparency, and data-sharing rules.
• 💬 Meta may introduce AI-based content moderation & reporting tools.
• 🔍 DSA compliance could impact WhatsApp’s operations in Europe.

The next few months will be crucial for WhatsApp as EU regulators determine its classification under the DSA. 🚀