Meta’s WhatsApp messaging service has surpassed a critical user threshold, triggering stricter regulations under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Meta reported that the average monthly audience of WhatsApp public channels reached 46.8 million in the second half of 2024, exceeding the DSA’s 45 million threshold for large online platforms.
Compliance with DSA Rules
“WhatsApp’s user audience has now exceeded the threshold for being designated as a very large online platform under the Digital Services Act,” said European Commissioner Thomas Regnier. The DSA imposes stricter content moderation rules on platforms with more than 45 million monthly active users in the EU. However, these regulations do not apply to the core messaging feature.
The European Commission will determine whether WhatsApp should be included on the list of major platforms required to assess risks related to illegal or harmful content and implement mitigation strategies. Companies violating the DSA could face fines of up to 6% of their annual global revenue.
Growing Scrutiny from the EU
The European Commission continues to tighten regulations on social media, primarily affecting US-based tech companies, notes NIX Solutions. These measures have drawn sharp criticism from the Donald Trump administration. Last week, Vice President JD Vance condemned EU officials at the European Security Conference for their efforts to regulate online communication.
As the situation develops, we’ll keep you updated on any further regulatory changes.