WhatsApp, owned by Meta, lowers minimum age requirement to 13 in the UK and EU, facing criticism for prioritizing profits over children's safety.

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has faced criticism for lowering its minimum age requirement to 13 from 16 in the UK and EU. Critics argue that the decision prioritizes shareholder profits over children's safety, as WhatsApp serves as a gateway to other social media platforms and increases potential exposure to negative online experiences. Meta has introduced new safety features, such as a filter for Instagram's Direct Messages called Nudity Protection, to protect users. However, campaigners continue to call for the reversal of the age change and argue that the app poses significant risks for younger users.

April 11, 2024
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