WhatsApp has issued a one month warning to millions of its users across the UK ahead of a number of changes being rolled out.
The world’s most popular messaging platform, which is owned by Facebook parent company Meta, has around 30 million users in the UK alone. Those users have just been sent a new alert on the app, the ECHO reports.
From Thursday (April 11), WhatsApp’s terms of service will be updated with “relevant changes” made to the app’s privacy policy. One major shakeup will see the minimum age for WhatsApp in the UK drop from 16 to 13.
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App bosses said: “This update will ensure a consistent minimum age requirement on WhatsApp globally.” The ECHO understands the same age change will also be rolled out across the EU.
WhatsApp said it “offers simple, reliable, and private communication between friends, family, and communities”. Its website adds: “We know you, as parents and guardians, want your teen to learn how to navigate the digital space in a healthy and safe way.”
The new changes will not impact the services you receive, WhatsApp has said, adding: “As always, your personal messages and calls remain end-to-end encrypted. No one else, not even WhatsApp, can read or listen to them.
“By continuing to use WhatsApp after 11 April 2024, you accept these updates to our Terms of Service.”
Alternatively, users are able to delete their accounts. More information can be found here.
Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.
