The European Commission is taking significant steps to enhance accountability for social media platforms, with WhatsApp being the latest target for increased regulatory scrutiny. According to the official information, the Commission aims to ensure compliance with its stringent requirements, and WhatsApp is set to face new responsibilities in managing illegal and harmful content on its platform.
European Commission Reclassifies WhatsApp as VLOP
Reports indicate that the European Commission is in the process of reclassifying WhatsApp as a very large online platform (VLOP). This designation will impose greater legal obligations on the messaging service, compelling it to take more proactive measures against the dissemination of damaging content. The move comes as part of the Commission's broader initiative to enforce transparency and accountability among major social media platforms operating within the EU.
WhatsApp Surpasses VLOP User Threshold
WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, has recently surpassed the threshold for VLOP status, reporting an average of 468 million monthly users in the EU. This figure significantly exceeds the 45 million active users required for such classification under the Digital Services Act (DSA). As a result, WhatsApp will be expected to enhance consumer protection and actively combat illegal content on its platform.
Compliance Timeline for WhatsApp
Once officially designated as a VLOP, WhatsApp will have a four-month period to comply with the new regulations, although a specific timeline for this designation has yet to be announced. The Commission's spokesperson emphasized the importance of this classification in ensuring that platforms like WhatsApp take their responsibilities seriously in maintaining a safe online environment.
Recently, the European Commission announced plans to implement stricter digital regulations for major tech companies by 2026, which contrasts with its current focus on WhatsApp's compliance as a VLOP. For more details, see further information.
