The European Union has tightened its regulatory grip on WhatsApp under the Digital Services Act. The European Commission has officially classified WhatsApp as a very large online platform, increasing its responsibility to control illegal and harmful content. This decision follows a detailed user assessment conducted across the European Union during the first half of 2025.
WhatsApp recorded an average of 51.7 million monthly active users through its channels during this period. This figure crossed the 45-million threshold defined by the Digital Services Act. As a result, WhatsApp now falls under enhanced regulatory supervision. Consequently, the platform must adopt stricter safeguards to protect users and public interests.
The Digital Services Act applies special obligations to platforms with significant digital influence. These platforms must identify systemic risks linked to illegal content and online harm. They must also adopt effective mitigation measures. Moreover, transparency standards must be strengthened across all moderation practices.
WhatsApp will now be required to conduct regular risk assessments. These assessments must examine content dissemination patterns and user safety concerns. Additionally, the platform must improve reporting mechanisms. Users should find it easier to flag harmful material. Response times must also improve significantly.
Following the designation, Meta has been given a four-month compliance window. WhatsApp must meet all additional obligations by mid-May 2026. Failure to comply could trigger enforcement actions. Penalties under the Digital Services Act can be substantial. Therefore, regulatory compliance has become a pressing priority.
WhatsApp now joins several other major platforms under the same classification. These include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Temu. All these platforms face increased scrutiny due to their large user bases. The European Union aims to ensure safer digital environments through consistent enforcement.
This decision highlights the EU’s evolving approach to digital governance. Messaging platforms are no longer treated as neutral tools. Instead, regulators recognise their growing role in content distribution. WhatsApp’s channel feature has significantly expanded its public reach. Therefore, authorities view its influence as comparable to traditional social platforms.
By enforcing stricter obligations, the EU seeks to limit online harm. At the same time, it aims to protect fundamental user rights. Transparency, accountability, and safety remain core priorities. This move also sends a clear signal to technology companies. Digital growth must align with legal responsibility.
