Waze to tighten content control under EU rules; adult sites may face lesser scrutiny

Published 21/02/2025, 20:26
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s mapping application, Waze, has been urged to increase efforts in managing illegal online content following a surge in its user base that places it under stricter European Union (EU) tech regulations. Meanwhile, three adult content websites could potentially experience relaxed regulations after their user numbers dipped below the regulatory threshold.

The Digital Services Act (DSA), which was enacted in the previous year, stipulates that online platforms with over 45 million average monthly users in the 27-member EU are categorized as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). These platforms are subject to more stringent regulations.

European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier confirmed via email that Waze’s published user numbers have surpassed the DSA threshold, qualifying it as a VLOP. According to a Google filing on February 14, Waze had an average of 50.5 million monthly users from July to December 2024.

On the other hand, adult content websites Pornhub, Stripchat, and XVideos, which were previously classified as VLOPs in December 2023, have reported a decline in user numbers in the second half of last year.

Regarding these three platforms, Regnier stated that a possible undesignation under the DSA could occur if a VLOP’s user numbers fall below the stipulated threshold. However, the general obligations under the DSA would still apply to these platforms.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.