Messaging, voice and video apps such as WhatsApp, Weixin (WeChat) and iMessage now dominate digital communications. Their widespread use has disrupted telecoms business models and prompted regulators worldwide to consider whether these apps should face obligations similar to traditional operators. This Global Trends benchmark compares the latest regulatory approaches across 14 jurisdictions.

Highlights from the research
 

• Ten out of 14 jurisdictions formally acknowledged the impact of communications apps on telecoms markets.
• Interoperability obligations are currently enforced only in the EU under the Digital Markets Act, with the UK’s new digital competition law providing similar powers.
• New frameworks emerged: Malaysia introduced licensing obligations for apps with more than 8m users; Singapore adopted rules against online scams; Japan consulted on mandatory data retention.
• In Europe, regulators continued to expand discussions on security and safety, including proposals for data retention and mandatory scanning for illegal material.

The benchmark examines:

• How governments define communications apps in law
• Licensing, interoperability, and transparency obligations
• Law enforcement requirements for data access and harmful content prevention

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