EU regulators use Telegram as the app approaches a critical usage threshold

EU technology regulators are actively engaging with messaging app Telegram as the platform approaches a significant usage milestone that could subject it to tighter regulation under landmark EU online content legislation, the European Commission announced on Tuesday .

The Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into force last year, requires all online intermediaries and platforms to implement measures to counter illegal and harmful content. However, the regulations impose stricter obligations on large technology companies, known as very large online platforms (VLOPs), to step up efforts to control content.

According to Reuters, in the six months to February, the platform had 41 million users in the EU, just shy of the DSA threshold of 45 million users. If it exceeds this threshold, the EU will classify Telegram as a VLOP and will have to comply with a more stringent regulatory framework.

“We are in contact with Telegram,” said a Commission spokesman, emphasizing that the EU executive is closely monitoring developments and maintaining communication with digital services coordinators.

Currently, 18 online platforms have been designated as VLOPs under the DSA, including tech giants such as Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft and ByteDance’s TikTok. The list also includes AliExpress, Snap, Pinterest, Zalando and three porn sites.

Related: Telegram Submits EU Antitrust Complaint Against Apple

The inclusion of more platforms like Telegram in the VLOP category underlines the EU’s commitment to ensuring a safer digital environment by holding large tech companies accountable for the content on their platforms.

Source: Reuters