WhatsApp Hits Milestone in EU’s Digital Services Act, Faces Stricter Content Rules

WhatsApp has surpassed a significant threshold in Europe, triggering new requirements under the European Union’s landmark Digital Services Act (DSA). With an average of 46.8 million monthly active users in the EU as of December 2024, WhatsApp now qualifies as a “Very Large Online Platform,” making it subject to stricter regulations aimed at addressing harmful online content.

What Does This Mean for WhatsApp?

WhatsApp’s classification under the DSA means the platform must take additional steps to tackle illegal content, protect minors, and safeguard public security. The platform now has four months to comply with the DSA’s demands. These include identifying risks related to illegal activities, protecting fundamental rights, and ensuring safety measures are in place.

The Digital Services Act, which came into force in late 2020, targets tech platforms that reach a significant number of users. As a result, WhatsApp, along with other platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, must adhere to enhanced scrutiny from EU regulators.

DSA Penalties: What’s at Stake?

Failure to comply with these regulations could result in serious consequences. Companies that fall short may face hefty fines—up to 6% of their global annual revenue. The DSA sets a high standard, aiming to hold tech giants accountable for the content shared on their platforms.

Meanwhile, Instagram and Facebook, also owned by Meta, are already classified as “Very Large Online Platforms.” This means Meta is familiar with the DSA’s requirements, but WhatsApp will now need to ensure it meets the same standards.

Meta’s Response to EU Regulations

Despite meeting the user threshold, Meta has been vocal in its criticism of the EU’s tech rules. CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Chief Lobbyist Joel Kaplan have criticized the DSA for its potential to stifle innovation. Meta has even sought support from U.S. politicians, including former President Donald Trump, in its pushback against the EU’s stringent regulations.

What’s Next for WhatsApp?

With WhatsApp now in the spotlight, the platform must shift its focus to risk management. The platform will need to invest in technologies and policies that help detect and remove harmful content quickly. This could mean more resources devoted to monitoring conversations, improving content moderation systems, and collaborating with regulators.

The new requirements may also push WhatsApp to rethink how it handles user privacy and security, especially as regulators continue to demand greater accountability from tech companies.

A New Era of Online Regulation

WhatsApp’s new designation under the DSA is a reflection of the EU’s growing commitment to regulating digital platforms. As the first platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook come under this new regime, it signals a significant shift in how the EU is enforcing accountability within the tech industry. Whether other regions, including the U.S., will follow suit remains to be seen, but it’s clear that digital platforms will have to evolve to meet new global standards.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on how WhatsApp, and Meta at large, adapts to these regulations. Will they comply, or will the battle against the EU’s Digital Services Act continue? Only time will tell.