WhatsApp begins testing age-confirmation feature

New Delhi: WhatsApp has begun testing an age verification feature for users in India as part of its preparations to comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which is set to take effect on May 13, 2027. The Meta-owned messaging platform said the new feature would not alter the overall user experience or the way the app functions.

The DPDP Act introduces stricter rules for digital platforms such as WhatsApp and X regarding the handling of personal data belonging to children under 18. Under the law, platforms will be required to obtain verifiable consent from a parent or lawful guardian before processing a child's personal data, The New Indian Express reported.

The legislation also bars platforms from carrying out activities that may be harmful to children, including behavioural tracking, monitoring, and serving targeted advertisements to minors.

Information Technology Secretary S. Krishnan said WhatsApp's move could be linked to preparations for the implementation of the DPDP Act. However, he added that the government would verify the company's intentions, noting that the compliance deadline was approaching.

Meanwhile, several WhatsApp users, including many in India, found their accounts placed under review for up to 24 hours on Monday, preventing them from accessing the service. The issue reportedly began around 8 pm IST, with affected users receiving notifications that their accounts were under review without prior warning.

The temporary account reviews have come amid heightened government scrutiny of WhatsApp's proposed username feature, which would allow users to communicate without revealing their mobile numbers.

Separately, Meta's global team, including its public policy chief Joel Kaplan, is scheduled to meet government officials in India on August 5. The Centre had summoned the company's executives after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's post addressing the youth was briefly restricted on Facebook.