WhatsApp may be granted "Major Online Platform" status in the EU due to the popularity of its channels

WhatsApp may face new requirements in the European Union due to a significant increase in the number of users on its open channels.

Here's What We Know

The platform reported that an average of around 46.8 million active users in the EU subscribed to these channels in the second half of 2024, indicating their popularity.

This growth could lead to WhatsApp being classified as a "Very Large Online Platform" (VLOP) under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA). This status gives the European Commission more powers to control advertising, moderate content and conduct independent audits, and obliges the platform to take measures to prevent the spread of illegal content.

WhatsApp is owned by Meta, which already has VLOP status alongside giants such as Google and Amazon. The European Commission must now decide whether to grant WhatsApp this status, which could lead to significant changes in the rules for using the platform.

This development could have a significant impact on how users receive information through WhatsApp, as well as on content policies on the internet in general.

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Source: Engadget