WhatsApp is potentially facing increased regulatory scrutiny within the European Union due to a significant rise in the number of users engaging with its open channels. Recently announced data reveals that these channels, which cater to news sources, public figures, and various other content creators, saw an impressive average of around 46.8 million users in the EU during the second half of 2024. This surge in user engagement effectively categorizes WhatsApp’s open channels as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the framework of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), drawing parallels to traditional social media networks.

The Digital Services Act (DSA) designates platforms as very large online platforms or search engines when they exceed 45 million monthly users within the EU territory. This classification empowers the European Commission with enhanced regulatory authority, enabling them to implement more stringent regulations pertaining to transparent advertising, content moderation, and the necessity for annual independent audits. Furthermore, these platforms are now required to actively assess and mitigate risks associated with harmful or illegal content shared across their services, ensuring a safer online environment for users.

WhatsApp’s parent organization, Meta, has already received a VLOP designation, which has been met with dissatisfaction, joining the ranks of other major tech players such as ByteDance, Amazon, and Google. The European Commission now faces the critical task of evaluating whether WhatsApp will also qualify for this regulatory classification, further intensifying the ongoing discussion regarding the responsibilities of large online platforms in managing user-generated content.