The European Commission has decided that WhatsApp will henceforth fall under the strictest oversight of the Digital Services Act. This designates the messaging service as a very large online platform, a status that until now mainly applied to large social networks.
The decision means that WhatsApp must comply with additional obligations. The platform must demonstrate how it limits risks that could harm users, such as the spread of illegal content that endangers the well-being of children.
The new rules focus on the public channels within WhatsApp. The private messaging function remains outside the scope of European legislation. Within four months, WhatsApp must submit an initial report on how it addresses these risks.
At the same time, Brussels has launched a formal investigation into X, the platform that also uses the AI model Grok. This is prompted by the spread of sexually explicit, manipulated images of real persons, including women and minors.
The American president Trump criticizes the European rules for internet companies; they call it European censorship. Dutch Member of the European Parliament Kim van Sparrentak (GroenLinks-PvdA/S&D) is glad that action is finally being taken: “It is already past quarter to twelve. It is good that the European Commission is finally seriously investigating this wave of online hate and sexual violence particularly against women and children online.”
As far as she is concerned, there should be a complete ban on Grok on the internet within the EU. Two weeks ago, Van Sparrentak submitted a request to ban undressing apps under the AI law. Last week, Digital Euro Commissioner Virkkunen said during the plenary debate that he would seriously consider it.
According to the European Commission, the images were made without consent and distributed online. The case has led to widespread outrage and political pressure to take stricter action against these kinds of artificial intelligence applications.
The investigation focuses on whether X has taken sufficient measures to prevent such content and whether the platform complies with its legal obligations under European rules for online services.
Brussels emphasizes that creating and distributing sexually manipulated images can have serious consequences for victims. Protecting women and children is central. The European approach could have far-reaching consequences. Platforms violating the rules face heavy fines and further enforcement.