Brussels, February 21, 2025 – Alphabet’s mapping app Waze has crossed the threshold for classification as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), triggering tougher obligations to tackle illegal online content.
According to a Google filing dated February 14, Waze registered 50.5 million average monthly users in the EU from July to December 2024.
Under the DSA, any online platform with more than 45 million monthly users in the EU is subject to enhanced regulatory requirements, which include stricter measures for content moderation and greater transparency. European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier confirmed via email, “We are aware that Waze has published user numbers above the DSA threshold for designation as a Very Large Online Platform.”
In contrast, three major adult content platforms, which were previously designated as VLOPs in December 2023, reported a significant drop in users during the latter half of last year. One platform that offers adult content reported that it had an average of 26.6 million monthly users in the EU as of January 1st. Other platforms also reported similar figures as of August 1st, 2024. Regnier noted that an undesignation is possible under the DSA if a platform’s user numbers fall below the threshold, although general obligations under the law would still apply.
The European Commission is expected to finalize its decision on VLOP designations within approximately two months after verifying the reported user figures. Companies found to be in breach of the DSA rules may face fines of up to 6% of their annual global revenue.
The differing designations reflect the evolving digital landscape, as platforms like Waze must now bolster their efforts against illegal content while others, such as the adult content sites, may benefit from lighter regulatory oversight.
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