EU Designates WhatsApp as Very Large Platform
The European Commission has formally classified Meta’s WhatsApp as a “very large platform” under the Digital Services Act. This designation makes WhatsApp more accountable for tackling illegal and harmful content.
Channels Feature Not Affected
WhatsApp’s channels feature, with 51.7 million monthly active users in the EU in early 2025, remains outside this designation.
New Obligations for Meta
Under the DSA, very large platforms must take stronger steps to detect and remove illegal content. The rules may increase compliance costs and raise privacy concerns due to the volume of data processed.
Meta now has four months, until mid-May 2026, to ensure WhatsApp meets the additional requirements. A WhatsApp spokesperson said the company is committed to evolving safety and integrity measures in the EU and aligning with regulatory expectations.
Wider Context
Other platforms classified as very large under the DSA include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Temu, and LinkedIn. These platforms also face enhanced responsibilities to safeguard users and combat harmful content.
