Stricter rules for WhatsApp after EU designation
EU violations could cost WhatsApp up to 6% of global revenue.
WhatsApp has officially met the threshold set by the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), marking its designation as a Very Large Online Platform.
The messaging app, owned by Meta Platforms, reported an average of 46.8 million monthly users in the EU during the latter half of 2024, surpassing the 45-million-user threshold established by the DSA.
The new classification requires WhatsApp to strengthen efforts in tackling illegal and harmful online content.
The platform must assess system risks related to public security, fundamental rights, and protecting minors within four months to comply with the DSA. Violations could result in fines reaching up to 6% of global annual revenue.
Meta’s Instagram and Facebook are already subject to the same rules. While complying with the stricter regulations, Meta leadership, including Mark Zuckerberg, has expressed concerns about the growing impact of EU tech laws.
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