EU regulators in communication with messaging app Telegram as it approaches a crucial usage threshold that could subject it to heightened requirements under significant EU online content legislation, announced the European Commission on Tuesday.
The Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into effect last year, extends to all online intermediaries and platforms. However, it imposes stricter obligations on Big Tech companies to take action against illegal and harmful online content present on their platforms.
According to information provided by Telegram on its website, the messaging app had 41 million users in the EU during the six months leading up to February. This figure falls below the DSA’s threshold of 45 million, which would classify Telegram as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP), necessitating compliance with more stringent regulations.
“We are engaging with Telegram,” stated a Commission spokesperson, indicating that the EU governing body is closely monitoring developments and maintaining communication with digital service coordinators.
