WhatsApp DSA compliance: WhatsApp has exceeded a key benchmark under the European Union’s strict digital regulations. With this development, the Meta-owned messaging platform must now take extra measures to tackle illegal and harmful content online.
WhatsApp Meets DSA Threshold – WhatsApp DSA compliance
On February 14, WhatsApp disclosed that it had an average of 46.8 million monthly active users across the 27-nation European Union during the six months leading up to December 2024. This number surpasses the 45-million-user limit established by the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The European Commission confirmed WhatsApp’s new designation. “We can indeed confirm that WhatsApp has published user numbers above the threshold for designation as a Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act,” stated European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier in an email on Wednesday.
What This Means for WhatsApp
With this classification, WhatsApp must comply with stricter DSA regulations within four months. The rules require platforms to assess and manage risks related to illegal content, public security, user rights, and child protection. These measures aim to create a safer online environment by holding major tech companies accountable for content shared on their platforms.
Failure to comply could lead to heavy penalties. Companies that do not meet DSA requirements risk fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue. For Meta, which owns WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, this could amount to billions of dollars in financial penalties.
Meta’s other platforms, Facebook and Instagram, already carry the “Very Large Online Platform” status and must adhere to similar rules.
Pushback from Meta Executives – WhatsApp DSA compliance
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and the company’s top lobbyist, Joel Kaplan, have openly opposed the EU’s tech regulations. They have argued that these rules place an unfair burden on U.S.-based technology companies while benefiting European competitors.
Kaplan has reportedly sought support from U.S. lawmakers, including former President Donald Trump, to challenge these regulations. He and other Meta executives have warned that overregulation could stifle innovation and limit free expression online.
EU’s Increasing Oversight on Tech Giants
The DSA is part of the EU’s broader effort to regulate digital platforms and ensure they take responsibility for content moderation. The law applies to major online platforms, search engines, and marketplaces. It is designed to curb the spread of illegal content, misinformation, and harmful activities, such as child exploitation and cyber threats.
In recent years, the European Commission has placed more pressure on tech companies to follow strict rules. It has targeted firms like Google, Amazon, Apple, and TikTok to enhance transparency and accountability in digital markets.
Potential Impact on WhatsApp Users
WhatsApp’s new classification under the DSA could lead to changes in how the platform operates within the EU. The messaging service may introduce additional content monitoring tools and stricter policies for user-generated content.
Privacy advocates have expressed concerns over the implications of these measures. WhatsApp is known for its end-to-end encryption, which prevents third parties, including Meta itself, from accessing private messages. Some experts worry that increased content moderation could weaken user privacy and security.
However, EU regulators argue that tech platforms must take stronger action to prevent illegal activities, such as online scams, hate speech, and terrorist propaganda.
Meta’s Legal Challenges in Europe
Meta has faced several legal challenges in Europe due to its business practices. In 2023, the company was fined €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) for violating the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Regulators accused Meta of mishandling European user data and transferring it to the United States without proper safeguards.
The company has also dealt with antitrust investigations and disputes over advertising transparency. As the EU strengthens its regulatory framework, Meta and other tech firms may face further scrutiny and additional legal battles.
The Future of WhatsApp in the EU
WhatsApp’s new status as a Very Large Online Platform signals an era of increased regulation for digital services in Europe. The platform must now adapt to new compliance requirements while balancing user privacy concerns.
As the deadline for compliance approaches, Meta will need to adjust WhatsApp’s policy to align with the EU’s demands. Whether this results in significant changes to the messaging platform remains to be seen.
For more updates on the impact of EU regulations on tech platforms, visit Euro News 24.