WhatsApp European Users Top 45 Million

WhatsApp ended under tougher regulatory scrutiny in the EU. The app's number of active users on its open channels surpassed a limit that now places it under the Digital Markets Act.

Meta Platforms revealed the feature, which is feeds linked to news organizations and public figures, that have amassed 45 million monthly active users in Europe. Open channels are considered similar to social networks under EU rules.

“WhatsApp has published user numbers above the threshold for designation as a Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act,” European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier told Mobile World Live. Users of WhatsApp’s primary messaging function are not included in the DSA’s regulatory criteria.

Under the law, platforms must report user figures every six months. The EC imposes strict content moderation rules on platforms with more than 45 million monthly active users, including conducting risk assessments on the spread of illegal or inappropriate content and implementing mitigation measures. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual global revenue.