Meta is testing a new feature that will allow WhatsApp users in India to add their date of birth, as the company explores privacy-preserving age-verification methods
Hyderabad: Meta is testing a new feature for its instant messaging platform WhatsApp that would allow users in India to add their date of birth to the app. The move comes as the company prepares to comply with India’s evolving data protection and age-verification requirements.
Screenshots circulating online recently showed a notification appearing for some users that asked them to “Add your date of birth”, explaining that the company may need to ask users about their age under upcoming laws in India.
A WhatsApp spokesperson said the company is testing different methods to confirm users’ ages while protecting their privacy, particularly in preparation for compliance with laws such as India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.
Age Verification Linked to Child Data Protection
One of the key objectives of the proposed system is to determine whether a user is under 18 years of age, particularly in the context of regulations governing the processing of children’s personal data.
WhatsApp said the age-verification approach is being tested with privacy protection in mind. The company also emphasized that the feature is currently an optional test and users will not be required to confirm their age to continue using WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Has More Than 600 Million Users in India
India is WhatsApp’s largest market, with more than 600 million active users, making regulatory compliance particularly significant for the platform.
The development comes as governments around the world are examining ways to protect children online. Several countries are considering restrictions or age-based requirements for social media use by children under 16, although Australia’s current social-media restrictions have not included WhatsApp.
Feature Being Tested Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
The age-verification test comes at a time when Meta is facing increased regulatory scrutiny in India.
Meta recently said it had apologized to Indian government officials over temporarily restricting a Facebook post in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed students about the examination paper-leak issue, which had triggered protests across the country.
Meta has also faced scrutiny in India over sensitive content involving children on platforms such as Instagram. The company has maintained that it is continuously strengthening its safety measures and follows a zero-tolerance policy toward child exploitation and related harmful content.
WhatsApp Username Feature Also Under Review
Separately, India’s federal technology authorities have asked WhatsApp to delay the rollout of its proposed username feature, which would allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers.
The move has reportedly been linked to concerns surrounding impersonation and “digital arrest” scams.
No Change to Regular WhatsApp Experience
WhatsApp said the new age-verification feature is currently being tested on an optional basis and will not change how the app works or affect the regular user experience.
The company also stressed that users’ date-of-birth information is considered private and will not be shared with other WhatsApp users.
The testing represents another step by Meta toward adapting WhatsApp to India’s evolving privacy, child-safety and digital data protection framework.
