WhatsApp has reported user numbers exceeding 45 million in the EU, the threshold that subjects them to extra reporting requirements under the Digital Services Act (DSA). 

In the second half of 2024, WhatsApp averaged 46.8 million users per month.

This means the messaging service is classified under EU law as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP), facing the toughest rules under the DSA.

This means that the messaging platform will have to identify and mitigate risks around illegal content, electoral processes etc; face an annual independent audit; and regularly submit compliance data to the Commission and national authorities.

A Commission spokesperson confirmed today that the service is above the threshold of 45 million users. The deadline to update these user numbers was 17 February.

WhatsApp, would become the third Meta-owned platform that would be designated as a VLOP under the DSA, the other two being Instagram and Facebook.

Source: Euractiv.com