WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has recently announced some significant updates to ensure consistency and protection for its users. Responding to the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), two new EU rules, WhatsApp is making changes to its terms of service and privacy policies. Internet Safety talks is a leading provider of speakers in the UK and Ireland for Business and School. Check Availability

WhatsApp faces a tough challenge in attracting younger users as compared to Snapchat. Snapchat is a messaging platform that introduced several features that are now commonly found in Meta's products, such as daily stories. Most of Snapchat's users are between 15-25, with some estimates suggesting that this age group constitutes almost 50% of its user base.

The age limit for WhatsApp was 16+ on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the UK. However, the system relied solely on the user's honesty, and there were no checks to enforce the age restriction limit during the setup process, which required an active phone number.

Recently, the age limit was lowered to 13 years old, but the setup process remains the same. The only change made is to the terms and conditions. This change allows more young users to begin messaging friends and family using WhatsApp.

As part of these updates, WhatsApp is expanding its principles and guidelines, outlining what is and is not on the app. Additionally, WhatsApp is providing information regarding a new EU regulation that allows users to send messages to compatible third-party apps using WhatsApp. 

Furthermore, WhatsApp has made modifications to its international data transmission protocols, ensuring that users in the European Union now have increased protection under the recently established EU-US Data Privacy Framework.

WhatsApp has also made it clear that they remain committed to user privacy and that these updates do not expand any data sharing when messaging other WhatsApp users. All personal messages are now protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning no one, not even WhatsApp, can read or listen to them, wherever you are in the world. 

Neil Sinclair, UK Lead for Internet Safety Talks says 'This is a backwards step for Facebook, in battling Snapchat for the younger audience'

The Irish Data Protection Commission fined Meta €1.2 billion last year for privacy violations involving transferring personal data from the EU to the US. The company is challenging the decision.

WhatsApp is the most popular chat app in the world, with over 2.7 billion users. Facebook purchased WhatsApp for a record-breaking $21.8 billion in 2014.
 

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