Brussels: The European Union is considering placing WhatsApp under its toughest online rules after the messaging service crossed a key user threshold in the bloc, according to officials familiar with the matter.
The European Commission said it is examining whether WhatsApp should be designated as a very large online platform under the Digital Services Act. Such a designation would subject the service to stricter obligations to tackle illegal and harmful content online.
WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta Platforms, recently reported that some of its features have more than 45 million average monthly users in the European Union. This figure is the legal threshold that triggers enhanced oversight under the EU law.
Commission officials said no final decision has yet been taken. However, the review suggests that WhatsApp may soon be treated in a similar way to major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, which already fall under the strictest category of the Digital Services Act.
A key focus of the review is WhatsApp Channels, a feature that allows one way broadcasting to large audiences. Regulators see this function as closer to a social media service than private messaging, raising concerns about how misinformation and illegal content are handled.
If designated as a very large platform, WhatsApp would be required to carry out regular risk assessments, strengthen content moderation systems and provide greater transparency to regulators. Failure to comply could lead to fines of up to six percent of a company’s global annual revenue.
The move is part of a broader push by the European Union to tighten enforcement of its digital rules in 2026. The effort has already led to increased scrutiny of major technology companies, sometimes causing tensions with the United States.
WhatsApp has previously said it is committed to complying with EU laws and stressed that private messages remain protected by end to end encryption. The company has not commented on whether any changes to the service would follow a possible designation.
The Commission is expected to announce its decision in the coming weeks, which could mark a significant shift in how large messaging platforms are regulated in Europe.