There are three important innovations coming into effect

The age restriction on WhatsApp has changed. From mid-April 2024, younger users in the EU will also be allowed to chat via WhatsApp.

Kassel/Brussels – In recent years, the maximum age for using text messaging and social networking sites has dropped significantly. This also applies to WhatsApp, the most widely used messaging service in the world. This regularly comes with new functionality that is installed as part of an update. There are now changes to the EU Terms of Use and Data Protection Guidelines.

Change due to EU regulations: WhatsApp lowers the minimum age

The amendments will come into force from 11 April 2024 and are a response to two new regulations from the EU Commission: the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These changes aim to increase transparency about what activities are allowed and prohibited on WhatsApp.

Some new messaging functions were previously announced. For example, starting April 11, there will be a change in the minimum age to use the app in the European Union. The official website of the messaging service states that this period will be reduced from 16 to 13 years.

Reason: Meta explained that “this update ensures a uniform minimum age for using WhatsApp across the world.” WhatsApp also warns on its information page about the minimum age: “Accounts created with incorrect information violate our Terms of Use.”

More changes at a glance – but one function remains

WhatsApp announces on its website the two new changes that will also occur:

• Details will be added to a new EU regulation that will allow users to send messages from WhatsApp to supported third-party apps.
• In addition, changes will be made to international data transfer mechanisms. In the future, WhatsApp for users in the European region will be based on the European Commission's EU-USA Data Protection Framework.

Despite the changes regarding the minimum age and other aspects, one point remains unchanged: personal messages and calls on WhatsApp are still end-to-end encrypted. This means that neither WhatsApp nor third parties are able to read or hear this message.

Those who wish to continue using WhatsApp after April 11, 2024 will be required to agree to the updated terms of service. A detailed overview of the new account options and guidelines can be found in the Terms of Use.