WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a new feature to comply with recent age verification laws

WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a new feature to comply with recent age verification laws passed by several U.S. states. These laws aim to protect children by ensuring digital platforms like WhatsApp verify the age of their users. In the latest beta release for Android (version 2.24.12.25), WABetaInfo discovered a prompt asking users to enter their birth year to continue using the app. This prompt, which will be introduced soon, specifies that once users enter their birth year, it cannot be changed later. 

This update is likely a response to the legislative measures being enacted across various U.S. states, even though Meta has not officially confirmed the purpose of this new feature. The goal is probably to ensure WhatsApp users meet the minimum age requirements set by state laws. This change aligns with WhatsApp's need to comply with these new regulations. 

The U.S. states where these age verification laws have been passed include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee. If you reside in or visit any of these states, you will likely encounter this prompt once the feature is publicly released. 

Meta has clarified that users' birth years will not be displayed within WhatsApp and will only be used for compliance with local laws. While the feature is currently in beta and not yet available to the public, it is expected to roll out soon to ensure WhatsApp remains compliant with the new legal requirements. This update reflects a broader trend of increasing regulatory scrutiny over how tech companies handle user data, particularly concerning the protection of minors.

Meta has clarified that users' birth years will not be displayed within WhatsApp and will only be used for compliance with local laws