Meta-owned WhatsApp has officially surpassed the user threshold set by the European Union’s landmark Digital Services Act (DSA), signaling that the messaging platform will now face stricter regulatory scrutiny. With over 46.8 million active users in the EU, WhatsApp must now comply with additional requirements aimed at combating illegal content and enhancing online safety.
WhatsApp Crosses the 45-Million User Threshold
On February 14, WhatsApp filed a report confirming that it had reached 46.8 million average monthly active users across the European Union. This figure, recorded over a six-month period ending in December 2024, exceeds the 45-million-user threshold set by the DSA, which applies to platforms designated as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs).
This user milestone has significant implications for WhatsApp, as the platform is now subject to the full range of obligations outlined under the DSA. European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier confirmed the milestone, stating that WhatsApp’s user numbers qualify it for designation as a VLOP. Regnier’s statement makes clear that WhatsApp must now meet several new compliance requirements aimed at addressing the spread of harmful and illegal content on its platform.
Implications of the Digital Services Act
The Digital Services Act, which was passed by the European Union to create a safer digital environment, imposes stringent rules on platforms like WhatsApp that reach millions of users. For Very Large Online Platforms, these regulations are designed to protect fundamental rights, enhance transparency, and ensure that illegal content is swiftly removed.
WhatsApp, as a VLOP, will now have four months to comply with these new requirements. Some of the key obligations under the DSA include identifying and mitigating systemic risks related to illegal content, public security, and child protection. The platform will also be required to implement stricter mechanisms to protect users’ data and provide more transparency around content moderation practices.
The DSA’s reach extends to a variety of harmful online content, including disinformation, hate speech, and illegal transactions. WhatsApp will need to enhance its efforts to identify and remove harmful content, which could involve investing in more robust content moderation systems and increasing collaboration with European authorities.
Potential Penalties for Non-Compliance
WhatsApp’s failure to comply with the DSA’s requirements could result in hefty penalties. The European Union has outlined that platforms found in breach of the regulations can face fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, is already familiar with the EU’s strict regulatory environment, as its other platforms—Facebook and Instagram—have also been classified as Very Large Online Platforms under the DSA.
These penalties are designed to incentivize platforms to take compliance seriously, ensuring that large tech companies act responsibly in managing content and protecting users. The financial penalties could be severe, especially for a company like Meta, which generates billions of dollars in annual revenue.
Meta’s Opposition to EU Regulations
Meta, which has long faced scrutiny over its handling of user data and content, has voiced strong opposition to the EU’s digital regulations. CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Meta’s chief lobbyist Joel Kaplan have criticized the Digital Services Act, arguing that it imposes excessive burdens on platforms and could stifle innovation.
In addition to vocal opposition within the company, Meta has sought external support in its battle against EU tech regulations. Notably, the company has reached out to U.S. President Donald Trump for assistance, hoping that his influence could help push back against the growing regulatory pressures from Europe.
While Zuckerberg and Kaplan have made their discontent with the DSA clear, Meta’s position has raised concerns among European lawmakers who argue that the tech giant’s resistance to regulation could undermine efforts to create a safer and more transparent online environment.
A Global Regulatory Shift
WhatsApp’s new regulatory challenges come at a time when digital platforms worldwide are facing increasing scrutiny. The European Union has taken a leading role in regulating tech companies, with the DSA being one of the most significant regulatory frameworks to date. Alongside the DSA, the EU has also implemented the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which targets anti-competitive practices in the tech industry.
The EU’s aggressive stance on tech regulation has influenced other regions to follow suit. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom are exploring their own versions of content moderation and online safety laws, while also seeking to hold tech companies accountable for user safety and data privacy.
WhatsApp, like other platforms, will need to adapt to this rapidly evolving regulatory environment. As a result, the company may face more oversight and potentially even pressure to overhaul its content moderation practices in response to the EU’s demands.
WhatsApp’s Response to the DSA
WhatsApp has not yet made a public statement regarding how it plans to meet the obligations under the Digital Services Act. However, it is expected that the platform will need to invest significantly in technology, staff, and partnerships with external organizations to ensure compliance. WhatsApp may also need to improve its content moderation tools, such as using AI and machine learning to detect harmful content more efficiently.
WhatsApp’s compliance with the DSA will likely have broader implications for Meta’s entire platform ecosystem. Facebook and Instagram will also need to ensure they meet similar requirements, creating a ripple effect across Meta’s portfolio of services.
WhatsApp’s surpassing of the EU’s user threshold is a significant moment in the platform’s regulatory journey. As a newly designated Very Large Online Platform, WhatsApp will now face intense scrutiny and a host of new obligations under the Digital Services Act. Meta has opposed these regulations, but the company will need to adjust to the changing digital landscape, or face potential penalties. The coming months will be crucial in determining how WhatsApp and its parent company Meta navigate the complex web of global tech regulations.
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