EU Designates WhatsApp as a Very Large Online Platform Under DSA
The European Union has officially classified WhatsApp as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under its Digital Services Act (DSA), setting a mid-May 2026 deadline for full compliance with stricter regulatory obligations.
The designation was disclosed in a statement published on the European Commission’s website, following WhatsApp’s rapid growth across the EU.
Why WhatsApp Was Classified as a VLOP
According to the European Commission, WhatsApp now records over 51 million monthly active users in the European Union, surpassing the DSA’s threshold of 45 million users, which triggers enhanced regulatory oversight.
Platforms designated as VLOPs are required to implement stronger safeguards to:
- Prevent the spread of disinformation
- Reduce the manipulation of public opinion
- Protect fundamental rights and freedom of expression
- Safeguard minors and vulnerable users
- Address privacy and data protection risks
Meta Given Four Months to Comply
The Commission stated that Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has four months—until mid-May 2026—to ensure the platform complies with the additional obligations applicable to 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 obligations include conducting systemic risk assessments and implementing measures to mitigate risks such as:
- Violations of fundamental human rights
- Electoral interference
- Dissemination of illegal content
- Privacy and data protection concerns
Regulatory Oversight and Supervision
Supervision of WhatsApp under the DSA will be carried out by the European Commission in cooperation with Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, reflecting Meta’s EU operational base in Ireland.
Other Platforms Classified as VLOPs
WhatsApp joins a growing list of platforms already designated as VLOPs under the Digital Services Act, including:
- Facebook and Instagram (designated in April 2023)
- YouTube
- Snapchat
- Shein
- Wikipedia
- Several other major online platforms
Ongoing Investigations Into Meta and X
The European Commission is currently investigating Facebook and Instagram over potential breaches of DSA obligations related to child and minor protection.
Separately, the Commission has launched a new formal investigation into X (formerly Twitter) and expanded an earlier probe opened in December 2023.
The investigation will assess whether X adequately managed risks associated with its AI chatbot Grok, including:
- Dissemination of illegal content
- Spread of manipulated sexually explicit images
- Potential child sexual abuse material
What the Digital Services Act Requires
The Digital Services Act is a landmark EU regulation aimed at holding large digital platforms accountable and creating a safer online environment.
Under the DSA:
- Platforms with more than 45 million monthly users in the EU face enhanced obligations
- Non-compliance can result in fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover
- Additional enforcement measures may also be imposed
WhatsApp currently averages 51.7 million monthly active users across the European Union, placing it firmly within the VLOP category.
Potential Penalties
If WhatsApp is found to be in breach of the Digital Services Act, it could face significant financial penalties, including fines of up to 6% of Meta’s global annual revenue, alongside other corrective actions mandated by EU regulators.
