EU may recategorise WhatsApp to increase responsibilities for harmful content

The European Commission is considering designating WhatsApp as a "very large platform" under the Digital Services Act after reported user numbers exceeded the threshold in February 2025, a commission spokesperson said.

The European Commission is considering recategorising Meta's WhatsApp messaging service to increase its responsibilities for illegal and harmful content, a commission spokesperson said on Jan. 9. This consideration follows WhatsApp publishing user numbers that reportedly exceeded the Digital Services Act threshold in February 2025. Designation as a "very large platform" would raise the service's legal obligations under the DSA. Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said he would not exclude a future designation. What is known: - The Commission is actively considering recategorising WhatsApp to make it more responsible for illegal and harmful content. - WhatsApp published user numbers above the Digital Services Act threshold in February 2025, prompting the review. - A formal designation as a "very large platform" would increase legal responsibilities under the DSA. - Thomas Regnier, a Commission spokesperson, said a future designation would not be excluded. Summary: If designated, WhatsApp would face greater legal obligations to address harmful and illegal content under the Digital Services Act. The commission is actively considering the change, and any formal designation or next procedural step was not stated.