WhatsApp Hits 45 Million EU Users, Faces Stricter Digital Rules

WhatsApp has reached a major user milestone in the EU, potentially placing it under stricter regulations under the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA).

According to a recent Meta filing on February 14, WhatsApp's open channels—which function similarly to social networks by allowing public figures and news outlets to share updates—averaged 46.8 million monthly active users in the second half of 2024. This number crosses the EU's 45 million-user threshold for a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the DSA.

What Does This Mean for WhatsApp?

The European Commission, the EU's executive branch, has been cracking down on big tech platforms, particularly those with social media-like features. If WhatsApp is formally designated as a Very Large Online Platform, it will have to: 

Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines of up to 6% of Meta's global annual revenue—a figure that could easily reach into the billions.

Does This Affect WhatsApp Chats?

No, the core private messaging feature of WhatsApp is not counted under the DSA regulations. Only its open channels—which are used for public broadcasts and updates—fall under the scrutiny of EU regulators.

How Does This Compare to Telegram?

Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram has reported that its public channels have "significantly fewer than 45 million" EU users, keeping it below the VLOP threshold. However, after CEO Pavel Durov's arrest in France last year over alleged involvement in spreading child abuse imagery and other crimes, the European Commission has been verifying Telegram's user numbers using independent sources.

This week, Telegram provided a more detailed breakdown of its user data, which EU regulators have accepted for now.

What's Next for WhatsApp?

The European Commission has not yet officially ruled that WhatsApp will be categorized as a Very Large Online Platform, but given its recent filing, it seems likely. If confirmed, WhatsApp will need to adapt to stricter EU regulations, joining platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok under the DSA's oversight.

Whether Meta will challenge the decision—or how it will adapt WhatsApp's open channels to comply with EU rules—remains to be seen. One thing is certain: regulators are tightening the leash on big tech.