Meta’s WhatsApp has officially crossed a major milestone in Europe. With an average of approximately 46.8 million monthly active users on its Channels feature over the past six months, the messaging giant now qualifies as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). This designation, which applies to any online service exceeding 45 million EU users, subjects WhatsApp to a raft of stricter rules aimed at enhancing user safety and protecting fundamental rights.

In a recent filing dated February 14th (PDF), WhatsApp revealed that its Channels feature—designed for broadcasting updates and news—has consistently surpassed the EU’s user threshold. European Commissioner Thomas Regnier confirmed this development, noting that WhatsApp’s user numbers clearly exceed the mark required for VLOP status. With this new classification, WhatsApp joins the ranks of Meta’s other platforms—Facebook and Instagram—which are already operating under the same stringent regulatory framework.

The Digital Services Act, which came into effect recently, is a sweeping piece of legislation aimed at creating a safer and more accountable online environment. By categorizing platforms with over 45 million EU users as VLOPs, the EU intends to ensure that these tech giants implement robust measures to tackle illegal content and safeguard user privacy.

Under the DSA, platforms designated as VLOPs are required to do much more than simply monitor content. WhatsApp now has a four-month window to implement a series of new obligations, including:

• Enhanced content reporting and moderation: WhatsApp must offer users clear and accessible methods to report illegal goods, services, or content. Additionally, the platform is expected to take proactive measures to remove or prevent harmful posts.
• Stricter data use controls: The DSA imposes tight limits on how user information can be leveraged for targeted advertising. In particular, users must be granted more control over how their data is processed, with options to opt out of recommendation systems and profiling.
• Greater transparency: Platforms are now obligated to disclose more information about their content moderation practices and algorithmic decision-making, ensuring that users understand how their data is being used.

WhatsApp’s recent update to its privacy policy—issued on February 16th—signals the company’s intent to align its data processing practices with these new regulatory obligations.

For everyday users in Europe, this regulatory change is expected to enhance control over personal data and improve the overall safety of the digital environment. The increased transparency and user empowerment measures mean that individuals can now better understand and manage how their personal information is shared and used for advertising purposes.

However, there is also a broader industry impact. As one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, WhatsApp’s new status as a VLOP adds to the regulatory pressure on major tech companies. Critics argue that while these rules are designed to protect users, they could also stifle innovation or impose additional compliance costs on platforms operating at such massive scales.

Meta’s own leadership has been vocal about their concerns regarding EU tech rules. With Facebook and Instagram already subject to these regulations, WhatsApp’s entry into the VLOP club underscores the intensifying scrutiny of Big Tech in Europe—a trend that has sparked debates in tech circles and beyond.

The EU’s Digital Services Act represents a significant effort to balance the need for online safety with the benefits of a dynamic digital marketplace. Proponents argue that tighter controls on content and data usage are essential for protecting children, preventing the spread of illegal material, and ensuring a level playing field for all users. On the other hand, industry insiders worry that overly burdensome regulations could hinder technological innovation and disrupt business models that have driven the digital revolution.

With its massive user base and critical role in digital communication, WhatsApp’s new designation as a Very Large Online Platform marks a turning point. Over the next few months, the company will need to demonstrate compliance with the DSA’s requirements while maintaining the user experience that has made it a household name.

For European users, this means more control over personal data and a safer messaging environment. For the industry, it is both a challenge and an opportunity to innovate responsibly under a framework that prioritizes user rights and digital accountability.