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EU considers making WhatsApp more responsible for tackling harmful content, spokesperson says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 9, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

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EU considers making WhatsApp more responsible for tackling harmful content, spokesperson says
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BRUSSELS, Jan 9 (Reuters) - The European Commission is actively considering to designate Meta's WhatsApp as a very large platform under the Digital Services Act, a spokesperson for the commission said

EU considers making WhatsApp more responsible for tackling harmful content, s...

EU's Regulatory Considerations for WhatsApp

BRUSSELS, Jan 9 (Reuters) - The European Commission is considering recategorizing Meta's WhatsApp messaging service to make it more responsible for tackling illegal and harmful content, a spokesperson for the commission said on Friday.

Potential Designation as Very Large Platform

The spokesperson said the commission is actively considering designating WhatsApp a "very large platform", which would increase its legal responsibilities to address damaging content, after it published user numbers above the Digital Services Act threshold in February 2025.

Implications for Content Moderation

"I wouldn't exclude a future designation," spokesperson Thomas Regnier told reporters.

(Reporting by Louise Breusch Rasmussen; Editing by Bart Meijer, Charlotte Van Campenhout and Jan Harvey)

Key Takeaways

  • EU may recategorize WhatsApp to tackle harmful content.
  • WhatsApp could be designated as a 'very large platform'.
  • This designation increases legal responsibilities for content moderation.
  • The decision follows WhatsApp's user numbers exceeding thresholds.
  • EU Commission spokesperson discusses potential implications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a very large platform?
A very large platform refers to online services that have significant user bases and are subject to stricter regulations under laws like the Digital Services Act, aimed at combating illegal content.
What is the Digital Services Act?
The Digital Services Act is a European Union regulation that sets out rules for online platforms to ensure user safety and accountability, particularly regarding harmful content.
What are regulatory requirements?
Regulatory requirements are rules and standards set by authorities that organizations must comply with, often concerning safety, transparency, and accountability in their operations.

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