The European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union (EU), is considering tougher regulatory oversight of WhatsApp following its continued growth in user numbers and market influence. Officials said on 9 January 2026 that the commission may designate WhatsApp as a “very large platform” under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a regulatory framework that sets obligations for digital services operating within the EU. This status would increase legal responsibilities for the app to address illegal or harmful content on its service.
The DSA includes provisions that apply more stringent rules to services that reach a threshold of active users defined by the EU. WhatsApp reported user figures that exceed this threshold in February 2025, prompting discussion within the commission about whether current oversight measures are sufficient. If formally designated, the messaging service would be required to implement stronger systems to identify and mitigate risks related to harmful content, the protection of fundamental rights, public security, and the safety of minors.
The consideration by Brussels is part of wider EU efforts to reinforce accountability among major digital platforms. The Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act form part of a broader regulatory framework aimed at ensuring competition and safety in the EU’s digital single market. Under the Digital Markets Act, services with significant market power, such as WhatsApp, have already been subject to certain compliance requirements, with breaches potentially resulting in fines of up to 6 % of global revenue.
Separately, EU authorities have opened an antitrust investigation into Meta’s policies for integrating artificial intelligence features into WhatsApp and restricting access for competing AI providers. Regulators are examining whether these policies distort competition in AI services and messaging platforms within the European Economic Area. The inquiry is conducted under standard competition rules and reflects wider concern about dominant technology companies shaping markets in ways that may disadvantage innovative competitors.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has responded in other contexts to EU regulatory scrutiny by emphasising user choice and access via alternative channels, and it has articulated compliance with EU digital rules where required. Actions by the European Commission are ongoing, and the agency has not yet confirmed any final designation or specific timeline for heightened oversight.
These regulatory developments come amid broader debates in the EU about digital sovereignty, competition policy, and the balance between platform responsibility and individual rights online. Proposals to expand oversight have drawn reactions from privacy advocates who oppose measures that could lead to the scanning of encrypted messages, and from technology companies that argue for proportional regulatory approaches.