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WhatsApp faces tougher EU rules as open channel users top 45 million
WhatsApp has exceeded 45 million monthly users in its open channels feature, triggering compliance with stricter EU regulations under the Digital Services Act, as confirmed by Meta in a filing. This classification as a Very Large Online Platform brings additional responsibilities for content moderation and transparency.
Key points
- WhatsApp's open channels now average 46.8 million users, exceeding the 45 million threshold.
- This user milestone categorizes WhatsApp as a Very Large Online Platform under the EU Digital Services Act.
- As a result, WhatsApp will be subject to stricter regulations regarding content moderation and user safety.
Why it matters
- The Digital Services Act aims to regulate large online platforms and enhance user safety and content moderation.
- WhatsApp’s compliance reflects a growing trend of accountability and regulation within the tech industry, with similar regulations emerging globally.
- The rise of messaging apps as public information channels has prompted regulatory scrutiny, akin to social media platforms.
WhatsApp's user growth highlights the increasing intersection of messaging services and regulatory frameworks, emphasizing the need for responsible management of digital platforms to ensure user safety and compliance.