WhatsApp to Display Ads in Status and Channels Following EU Regulatory Scrutiny

WhatsApp is rolling out advertisements globally within its Status and Channels features, a move confirmed by the company on Threads. This development comes as WhatsApp faces increased regulatory scrutiny under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) due to its large user base.

Where Will the Ads Appear?

Advertisements will not be integrated into users’ private chats, calls, or group conversations. Instead, they will be displayed within the “Status” section, appearing between status updates from contacts, and in WhatsApp Channels. The ads in Status will resemble those found on Instagram Stories and will be clearly marked as sponsored content.

Advertising in WhatsApp Channels

Channel operators will have the option to pay to have their content highlighted, aiming to attract more subscribers and increase visibility. This feature allows for paid promotion within the Channels ecosystem.

Privacy and Data Security

WhatsApp emphasizes that private chats remain complete-to-end encrypted, and content from personal conversations will not be used for ad targeting. Euronews reports that WhatsApp is committed to evolving its safety and integrity measures to align with regulatory expectations.

User Control Over Ads

Users will have some control over the advertisements they see. They can hide individual ads using the three-dot menu on the ad, reducing or blocking ads from specific providers. Yahoo News highlights that in the European Union, WhatsApp offers a paid subscription option to remove ads from the “Status” section.

Ad Transparency and Account Settings

WhatsApp provides an overview within account settings of the advertisements shown to a user, allowing for adjustments and the ability to hide specific providers.

EU Regulatory Context: The Digital Services Act

WhatsApp was officially classified as a “Very Large Online Platform” (VLOP) under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) in January 2026, due to exceeding 51 million monthly users in the EU. Engadget notes that this designation subjects WhatsApp to stricter obligations to protect users, including preventing the spread of disinformation and safeguarding mental health, particularly for younger audiences. The company has until mid-May 2026 to comply with the DSA’s requirements, and failure to do so could result in fines of up to 6 percent of its global annual turnover.

Recent User Growth

As of February 14, 2026, WhatsApp reported approximately 46.8 million average monthly active users in the 27-country European Union, surpassing the 45-million-user threshold set by the DSA.

Key Takeaways

• WhatsApp is introducing ads in Status and Channels globally.
• Private chats will remain ad-free and end-to-end encrypted.
• Users have some control over the ads they see.
• The move comes amid increased EU regulatory scrutiny under the DSA.
• WhatsApp must comply with the DSA by mid-May 2026.