Why is WhatsApp asking users for age verification?

WhatsApp Age Verification: The messaging platform WhatsApp has begun testing its age verification feature in India. Some users are seeing a prompt asking for their date of birth. A message accompanying the prompt states that the company is required to ask for the user’s age to comply with applicable laws in India. Currently, this is just a test option, and verifying one’s age is not yet mandatory for users. It is worth noting that the new Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act is set to come into effect in India on May 13 next year; WhatsApp is introducing this age verification feature in anticipation of this.

What did the company say about age verification?

According to media reports, Meta has stated that WhatsApp is testing privacy-protective methods to confirm age in order to comply with the DPDP Act. This will not alter the way WhatsApp functions or the user experience. The company acknowledges that age information is private and assures that this data will not be shared with other users.

For which law is WhatsApp preparing?

The DPDP Act, 2023, is a data privacy law that governs how companies, government bodies, and other entities collect, process, store, and use users’ personal data. The Act received Presidential assent in August 2023, and its provisions are being implemented in a phased manner. Provisions related to children’s data are scheduled to come into effect in May next year. Section 9 of the Act lays down specific rules regarding the personal data of children on online platforms. Under this law, any individual under the age of 18 is classified as a ‘child’. Consequently, any online platform or data fiduciary must obtain ‘Verifiable Parental Consent’ from a child’s parents or legal guardian before processing the child’s personal data. This means WhatsApp will need to verify whether a user is under or over the age of 18. If the user is under 18, parental consent must be obtained; without it, the platform cannot collect or process the user’s personal data.

Online Platforms to Verify Identity

As previously mentioned, WhatsApp will not only need to obtain parental consent to collect and process data but must also verify it. The platform is now mandated to confirm the identity of the child’s parents or guardians. Under the law, companies must ensure that the person claiming to be the child’s parent or legal guardian is over the age of 18. To this end, their identity will be confirmed, and records of this verification must be maintained.

How ​​Will Parental Verification Be Conducted?

The DPDP Act outlines two methods for verifying the age and identity of parents and legal guardians. The first method relies on the platform’s existing records; if a parent or guardian is already a registered user whose age and identity have previously been verified, that information can be used for verification purposes. The second method allows parents or guardians to verify their identity using government-issued documents.

Stricter Measures for Children on Social Media

Countries across the globe are implementing stricter regulations regarding children’s use of social media. In several nations—including Australia—social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat have been banned for children under the age of 16, and similar measures are currently being considered in many other countries.