seniorspectrumnewspaper – WhatsApp has earned the designation of Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) from the European Commission under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This designation puts WhatsApp on the same level as other Meta-owned platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The European Commission has not yet made a formal public announcement. But Meta has been informed about the decision, according to a Bloomberg report.
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The VLOP label is reserved for platforms that have a significant presence in the European Union. Specifically those with over 45 million monthly active users. WhatsApp’s recent user numbers indicate that it fits the criteria. Having averaged 46.8 million EU users in the second half of 2024. This move gives the EU greater regulatory control over WhatsApp. Especially in areas such as content moderation, data sharing, and advertising practices.
Under the stricter rules of the Digital Services Act. WhatsApp must take a more active role in preventing harmful content, improving user safety, and ensuring transparency in its operations. The platform will also face increased scrutiny over its management of user data, including how it collects, stores, and shares information. These new obligations will push WhatsApp to enhance its moderation practices. Clarify user consent for data collection, and implement stronger safeguards against misuse. As a result, WhatsApp’s operations in Europe will likely undergo significant changes due to this increased oversight.
What the VLOP Designation Means for WhatsApp
The VLOP designation will have notable implications for WhatsApp’s open channels feature. Under the DSA, WhatsApp must comply with a range of new rules aimed at improving transparency and user safety. These include conducting annual independent audits, enhancing content moderation practices, and providing more transparent advertising.
However, the VLOP designation will not affect WhatsApp’s core messaging services. WhatsApp’s focus will be on ensuring its open channels align with new EU regulations while preserving the privacy of private conversations. The platform will continue prioritizing secure, encrypted messaging for users while complying with regulatory standards.
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WhatsApp now joins major companies like Amazon, Google, and ByteDance, all designated as VLOPs under the DSA. These platforms must follow stricter guidelines to protect users and ensure a safer online environment. As WhatsApp adapts to these new regulations. Users can expect more accountability in terms of how the platform handles content and data. The VLOP label represents a significant shift toward more robust oversight of large digital platforms. And it will be important to see how WhatsApp implements these changes in the coming months.
