The European Union has officially designated WhatsApp as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA), triggering tougher regulatory requirements and setting a mid-May 2026 deadline for compliance.
The classification was announced in a statement published on the European Commission’s official website, citing the messaging platform’s continued user growth across EU member states.
WhatsApp Exceeds DSA User Threshold
According to the Commission, WhatsApp now has more than 51 million monthly active users in the EU, exceeding the DSA’s 45-million-user benchmark, which brings platforms under enhanced regulatory scrutiny.
VLOPs are subject to stricter rules aimed at improving platform accountability, including measures to:
- Curb the spread of disinformation
- Reduce the manipulation of public debate
- Protect fundamental rights and freedom of expression
- Safeguard minors and vulnerable users
- Address data protection and privacy risks
Meta Given Deadline to Meet New Obligations
The Commission stated that Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has four months, until mid-May 2026, to fully align the platform with the additional requirements imposed on VLOPs.
“Following the designation, Meta, the provider of WhatsApp, has four months, i.e. by mid-May 2026, to ensure WhatsApp complies with the additional DSA obligations for VLOPs,” the Commission said.
These requirements include carrying out systemic risk assessments and taking steps to reduce risks related to:
- Violations of fundamental human rights
- Electoral interference and manipulation
- Distribution of illegal content
- Privacy and data protection breaches
Oversight by EU and Irish Regulators
Regulatory supervision of WhatsApp under the DSA will be handled by the European Commission, working closely with Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, where Meta maintains its European headquarters.
Other Platforms Already Classified as VLOPs
WhatsApp joins several major online platforms already designated as VLOPs under the Digital Services Act, including:
- Facebook and Instagram (designated in April 2023)
- YouTube
- Snapchat
- Shein
- Wikipedia
- Other large digital platforms operating in the EU
Ongoing DSA Investigations Into Meta and X
The Commission is currently investigating Facebook and Instagram over alleged failures to meet DSA requirements related to the protection of children and minors.
In addition, EU regulators have launched a new formal investigation into X (formerly Twitter) and expanded an existing probe first opened in December 2023.
The investigation will examine whether X adequately assessed and reduced risks associated with its AI chatbot Grok, including:
- The spread of illegal content
- Distribution of manipulated sexually explicit material
- Content that could constitute child sexual abuse material
What the Digital Services Act Covers
The Digital Services Act is a cornerstone EU regulation designed to strengthen oversight of large online platforms and promote a safer digital environment.
Under the DSA:
- Platforms with over 45 million monthly EU users face enhanced obligations
- Breaches can result in fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue
- Regulators may impose additional corrective measures
WhatsApp currently averages 51.7 million monthly active users within the EU, placing it firmly within the VLOP category.
Possible Sanctions for Non-Compliance
If WhatsApp fails to meet its obligations under the DSA, it could face substantial penalties, including fines of up to 6% of Meta’s worldwide annual turnover, alongside other enforcement actions by EU authorities.
