EU Scrutiny Looms Over WhatsApp, Meta's Messaging App
The European Union is set to take a closer look at WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta Platforms Inc. The platform has surpassed 45 million monthly active users in the EU, triggering stricter regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). According to Reuters, WhatsApp's broadcasting feature, Channels, has grown significantly, attracting 51.7 million average monthly users.
As a result, the European Commission is designating WhatsApp as a "very large online platform" or VLOP, which subjects it to DSA rules. This means that Meta will have to comply with regulations aimed at removing illegal and harmful content from its platforms. Failure to do so could lead to fines of up to six percent of the company's global annual revenue.
The DSA has been a thorn in the side of tech giants, including Meta, which has faced multiple fines and regulatory challenges since its introduction. In October 2025, Meta was charged with violating EU law over how it asks users to report illegal content on Facebook and Instagram.
Now, as WhatsApp's user base grows, it's likely that the company will face similar scrutiny. The Commission is reportedly "actively looking into" the platform's Channels feature, which bears similarities to other social media platforms owned by Meta.
The possibility of stricter regulations over WhatsApp was first reported in November 2025, but the move marks a significant escalation in the EU's efforts to regulate tech giants. With its growing user base and increasing visibility on the platform, WhatsApp is likely to be at the center of this regulatory storm.
The European Union is set to take a closer look at WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta Platforms Inc. The platform has surpassed 45 million monthly active users in the EU, triggering stricter regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). According to Reuters, WhatsApp's broadcasting feature, Channels, has grown significantly, attracting 51.7 million average monthly users.
As a result, the European Commission is designating WhatsApp as a "very large online platform" or VLOP, which subjects it to DSA rules. This means that Meta will have to comply with regulations aimed at removing illegal and harmful content from its platforms. Failure to do so could lead to fines of up to six percent of the company's global annual revenue.
The DSA has been a thorn in the side of tech giants, including Meta, which has faced multiple fines and regulatory challenges since its introduction. In October 2025, Meta was charged with violating EU law over how it asks users to report illegal content on Facebook and Instagram.
Now, as WhatsApp's user base grows, it's likely that the company will face similar scrutiny. The Commission is reportedly "actively looking into" the platform's Channels feature, which bears similarities to other social media platforms owned by Meta.
The possibility of stricter regulations over WhatsApp was first reported in November 2025, but the move marks a significant escalation in the EU's efforts to regulate tech giants. With its growing user base and increasing visibility on the platform, WhatsApp is likely to be at the center of this regulatory storm.
They need to make sure those channels are not spreading any misinformation or hate speech. The EU needs to keep Meta in check, especially after all the fines they've been getting lately 
. It's like, come on guys, you're a huge platform now, step up your game! And btw, has anyone noticed how similar Channels is to Instagram Reels? 
It's just basic common sense to ensure user safety and content quality. Can't have some major platform just flooding the EU with whatever they want and getting away with it. Not on my watch! 
. Like, what if they start regulating the way people create and share content on WhatsApp? It could be a game-changer for creators and businesses who rely on the platform to reach their audiences 
. I mean, we're already seeing Meta getting fined left and right, so it's only logical that WhatsApp would face similar scrutiny 
. We need platforms like WhatsApp to stay relevant and continue to evolve 
. Fingers crossed that this whole thing doesn't get outta hand 
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They're gonna make Meta comply with DSA rules which means no more dodgy content on their platforms lol
. It's crazy that they're charging fines up to 6% of Meta's revenue if they don't shape up 
. I'm all for keeping the EU safe online but this is like, a big deal 
they're the only messaging app that still doesn't spy on us 
. It's like they're tryin' to control every aspect of our online lives now. But at the same time, I guess it's good that they're crackin' down on all that hate speech and harassment stuff. It's about time, if you ask me 
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. But it seems to me that this is just another example of how the EU is tryin' to keep up with all these new-fangled platforms and their fancy features 
. Can we just get back to our dial-up days for a sec? 
. It's crazy how quickly WhatsApp has grown in Europe - 45 million monthly active users? That's no joke! And now, with Channels gaining so many users, it's only a matter of time before the EU starts to scrutinize them more closely 
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. I mean, I get it, with Channels growing so much, it's like a mini Facebook or Instagram in the messaging app 
. But on the other hand, I worry that this will stifle innovation and creativity in the platform 
. Can't wait to see how this drama unfolds 
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can't just leave meta alone lol