WhatsApp to Lower Minimum Age Requirement to 13 in Europe, Implements Interoperability Changes
WhatsApp, along with other Meta platforms and large technology companies, is making necessary changes to comply with the Digital Markets Law and the Digital Services Law in Europe. One of the most significant changes coming to the messaging application is interoperability, which will allow WhatsApp users to communicate with users of other messaging apps without leaving their own platform.
In addition to interoperability, WhatsApp has announced that it will be lowering its minimum age requirement from 16 to 13 years old, effective April 11. The company has updated its support page to inform users in the European Union of the new terms of service and privacy policies that will be in effect on that date.
The updated policies will include more information on guidelines and policies, the ability to send messages to supported third-party applications, and details on channels such as rules, how to report content, appeal decisions, and recommendations to users.
The age change follows a previous increase in minimum age from 13 to 16 in 2018, and WhatsApp states that it is unifying the age requirement worldwide. While the messaging platform currently does not use any age verification methods, it may suspend accounts found to be in breach of the minimum age requirement.
Under the Digital Services Law, providers of large online platforms like WhatsApp are required to implement measures to protect children’s rights, including age verification and parental control tools. Therefore, age verification processes may be implemented in the future to ensure compliance with the law.