WhatsApp changes everything starting from April 11th
WhatsApp Introduces New Updates on Privacy Policies and Interoperability
WhatsApp has announced several updates starting from today, April 11th.
The popular instant messaging app undergoes periodic updates, with the latest changes focusing on privacy policies in response to new regulations from the European Union.
What’s Changing on WhatsApp as of April 11th?
According to the WhatsApp Help Center, the updates include a new minimum age requirement to use the app and the introduction of interoperability features.
These changes align with the EU Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act.
Users who registered on WhatsApp after February 15, 2024, have already agreed to the new terms.
Those who haven’t will receive a notification outlining all the updates.
New Minimum Age Requirement for WhatsApp
Starting today, the minimum age to create a WhatsApp account in the EU has lowered from 16 to 13 years old.
In Italy, where the age limit was already 13, there won’t be any changes for users.
Guardians of minors using WhatsApp can report an account belonging to a minor under their care by providing evidence of ownership and guardianship, along with the minor’s date of birth.
Interoperability Feature on WhatsApp
The interoperability feature is one of the most anticipated updates for Italian and European users.
It will allow messaging across different apps, such as Telegram, without leaving WhatsApp.
However, the feature is not yet active, pending interest and compliance from third-party messaging apps willing to join WhatsApp’s interoperability framework.
A new menu option named “Third-Party Chats” will be available, paving the way for compliance with the EU Digital Markets Act.
The process is estimated to take around three months, as companies like Meta work on technical solutions for seamless communication between platforms.
With encryption through Signal and sharing in XML format, WhatsApp aims to meet the interoperability requirements imposed by the new legislation, ensuring that gatekeeper companies enable cross-app communication or face possible penalties.
As the updates roll out, WhatsApp will provide more insights into the interoperability feature, offering users a new way to connect and communicate across platforms.
