WhatsApp has been classified as a Very Large Online Platform by the EU, meaning stricter content moderation is coming

WhatsApp has hit a user criterion set out in landmark EU tech rules, the unit owned by Meta Platforms said, meaning it is required to do more to tackle online illegal and harmful content.

WhatsApp's channels feature has surpassed the 45 million user threshold in the EU, classifying it as a Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act. This designation mandates stricter content moderation and user data control measures for compliance with EU regulations.

WhatsApp has been classified as a 'Very Large Online Platform' (VLOP) under the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA)- this states that it will have to adhere to the regulations of the nation to curb illegal and harmful content.

The DSA content moderation rulebook enforces stricter requirements on very large online platforms, exceeding 45 million EU-based monthly active users.