Highlights

• WhatsApp users must now enter their birth date to continue chatting.
• New age verification aims to protect underage users from inappropriate content.
• Existing users will be prompted to verify their age before using the app.
• The initiative aligns with global mandates for youth protection online.

Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is making efforts for increased youth safety and age verification.

In a recent announcement, the company revealed that WhatsApp users need to start submitting their date of birth before they are allowed to move through to continue chatting.

New WhatsApp Birthday Rule

The feature, which is described as an “Enter Birth Date,” in simple terms, imposes a new underage restriction for fostering a safer online experience for its young users.

Since birth dates have to be entered, WhatsApp can now easily recognize and limit underage users who do not fully comply with obligatory minimum age standards for platform use.

The age verification process insists on users keying in their date of birth when joining WhatsApp.

Already subscribed users will be asked to key in their birth dates before proceeding to chat on the app.

This measure gives WhatsApp another way of sieving underage users from its platform.

WhatsApp Swearing to Ensuring a Safer Digital Space for Kids

The adoption of age verification comes in line with the move by WhatsApp to ensure that digital platforms become safer places for younger users.

As more of life moves into the digital space, the concern to keep youth away from inappropriate content is very high.

Age verification will allow WhatsApp to develop a safe environment that will protect youth from inappropriate content that may be displayed on the platform.

On the back of clamping down on underage access, WhatsApp’s newest initiative encourages compliance with international mandates protecting youth.

The deployment of age verification follows the growing demand and cascading needs for stronger protection capabilities in this age of digital use.

So, with age-gated signups now implemented, WhatsApp will now be able to actively protect any underage people from access to potentially inappropriate content, thus setting a much healthier environment for communication and exchange to take place.

FAQs

Why is WhatsApp introducing age verification?

WhatsApp is introducing age verification to create a safer online environment for younger users and to comply with international youth protection mandates.

This will help prevent underage users from accessing inappropriate content.

How will the age verification process work on WhatsApp?

New users will need to enter their birth date during the signup process. Existing users will be prompted to input their birth date before they can continue chatting on the app.

What happens if an underage user tries to sign up for WhatsApp?

If an underage user attempts to sign up, WhatsApp will recognize the birth date and restrict access, ensuring compliance with the platform’s minimum age requirements.

Is the age verification feature mandatory for all WhatsApp users?

Yes, the age verification feature is mandatory for all users. Both new and existing users will need to verify their age to continue using the app.

How does this initiative contribute to online safety?

By implementing age verification, WhatsApp aims to protect younger users from potentially harmful content, creating a safer digital space.

It also ensures compliance with legal standards for youth protection.

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