EU Considers Designating WhatsApp as Very Large Platform Under Digital Services Act

EU Considers Designating WhatsApp as a Very Large Online Platform Under Digital Services Act

The European Union is considering a major regulatory move against Meta-owned messaging service WhatsApp, as the European Commission evaluates whether to classify it as a “Very Large Online Platform” (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). A Commission spokesperson confirmed on 9 January 2026 that discussions are underway, marking a significant development in Europe’s tightening grip on major digital platforms.

The Digital Services Act is a landmark EU law designed to hold large online platforms more accountable for the content and services they provide. Under the DSA, platforms with more than 45 million average monthly active users within the European Union fall into the VLOP category. Once designated, these platforms face stricter legal obligations, enhanced transparency requirements, and tougher enforcement measures.

WhatsApp’s inclusion in this category is being considered due to its rapidly growing user base across Europe. According to platform disclosures, WhatsApp has crossed the required user threshold, particularly after expanding features such as public Channels, which allow large-scale content distribution. This evolution has shifted WhatsApp from a purely private messaging service toward a platform with broader public influence.

If formally designated as a Very Large Online Platform, WhatsApp would be required to take stronger action against illegal and harmful content, including misinformation, hate speech, and coordinated manipulation campaigns. The platform would also need to conduct regular risk assessments, share data with EU regulators, and increase transparency around how its systems and algorithms operate.

European regulators argue that platforms with massive reach carry greater responsibility due to their potential impact on democratic processes, public safety, and social cohesion. The possible designation of WhatsApp reflects growing concern that even messaging platforms can play a significant role in shaping public discourse, especially during elections and geopolitical crises.

Non-compliance with the Digital Services Act can result in heavy penalties, with fines reaching up to 6% of a company’s global annual turnover. For Meta, this would represent a substantial financial and regulatory risk. However, EU officials maintain that the goal is not punishment but ensuring that digital platforms operate responsibly and transparently.

At this stage, the European Commission has not issued a final decision, and WhatsApp has not been officially designated as a VLOP. The assessment process is ongoing, and Meta is expected to cooperate with regulators if the designation proceeds. No formal response from the company has been issued so far regarding the spokesperson’s statement.

This development highlights the European Union’s broader strategy to become a global leader in digital regulation. By expanding oversight to platforms like WhatsApp, the EU is signaling that scale and influence — not just platform type — determine regulatory responsibility. The outcome of this process could set an important precedent for messaging services worldwide and further reshape the digital regulatory landscape in 2026.