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WhatsApp designated as very large online platform under EU digital service law

( January 26, 2026, 14:39 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: WhatsApp has been formally classified as a Very Large Online Platform and therefore must adhere to the strictest rules under the EU’s Digital Services Act, the European Commission said on Monday. WhatsApp's ‘Channels’ feature had reached the designation threshold of at least 45 million users in the EU, it said in a statement. However, WhatsApp's private messaging service would be excluded from the new obligations, the commission said. WhatsApp owner Meta Platforms has four months to comply with the additional VLOP requirements.Statement follows. ...

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