Meta's WhatsApp may soon face stricter EU regulation under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The European Commission is considering designating WhatsApp as a 'very large online platform' (VLOP) due to the explosive growth of its 'WhatsApp Channels' feature, which reached 51.7 million monthly active users in the EU. This surpasses the 45-million-user threshold that triggers DSA compliance.

As a VLOP, WhatsApp would be subject to rigorous rules regarding content moderation and the removal of illegal material. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to 6% of Meta's global annual revenue. This potential move highlights the EU's aggressive stance on regulating Big Tech, following recent DSA charges against Meta for its handling of user reports on Facebook and Instagram.

The shift underscores how features transforming private apps into public broadcasting tools are drawing regulatory heat.