NEW DELHI: Messaging app WhatsApp has started testing a new feature in India to confirm users’ age as it prepares to comply with the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act. The Meta-owned platform said this feature will not change the user experience or the way WhatsApp works.
The DPDP Act, which will kick in on May 13, 2027, outlines stringent provisions for platforms such as WhatsApp and X in processing the personal data of children under 18.
Under the Act, these platforms will be required to obtain verifiable consent from the child’s parent or lawful guardian before any personal data of the child can be processed.
The rules prohibit platforms from engaging in activities that could harm children. Also, there is a ban on tracking or behavioural monitoring of children, and platforms can’t direct targeted ads at children.
IT Secretary S Krishnan said WhatsApp’s move “might be from the context of DPDP Act... But we will have to check with them... because we are approaching the deadline...”
On Monday, several WhatsApp users, including many in India, found their accounts placed under “review” for up to 24 hours, leaving them unable to use the platform. The issue surfaced around 8 pm IST, with affected accounts displaying a message stating that they were under review without any prior warning from the platform.
The temporary account reviews come at a time when WhatsApp is facing increased scrutiny from the government over its proposed username feature, which would allow users to communicate without sharing their mobile numbers.
Meta’s global team to hold talks with govt today
Meta’s global team, including public policy chief Joel Kaplan, will reach India on August 5 to meet government representatives. The Centre had summoned Meta’s global executives after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s post addressing the youth was briefly restricted on Facebook
