WhatsApp is introducing a new feature in its Beta version that will require some users to enter your date of birth. This update, detected in version 2.24.12.25 by analyzing the APK code, appears to be a direct response to the growing regulatory pressures in several countries with the Digital Markets Act. Will there be a minimum age on WhatsApp then?
WhatsApp will have a mandatory minimum age to use it
The introduction of this feature is particularly significant in light of recent laws enacted in some US states, such as Florida, which require online services to check the age of users. These laws, once in force, will make it mandatory to enter your date of birth to continue using WhatsApp.
At the same time, the European Union has implemented a regulation aimed at promoting competition and reducing the monopolistic behavior of large technology companies. In this regard I will explain to you difference between Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act.
WhatsApp has already demonstrated its commitment to complying with these regulations. For example, it recently implemented the third-party chat support, a significant step towards greater interoperability and competition in the messaging industry. The introduction of the date of birth request is a further step in this direction.
It is important to note that, once inserted, the date of birth cannot be changed. However, WhatsApp ensures that this information will not be visible to other users and will not affect chats on the platform in any way. The function is still under development and will initially be available in a future WhatsApp Beta update, and will then be released in the stable version of the app.
WhatsApp banned for children under 15?
It's not yet clear exactly which users will be required to provide their date of birth, but that's likely the case will depend on the specific laws of each country. So no, for the moment we cannot say that WhatsApp will be prohibited for children under 15 in Italy (and we are wary of anyone who, at this moment, claims that this will be the case).
