WA tests optional age verification pilot, says user privacy will be protected

NEW DELHI: In a bid to comply with the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Act, WhatsApp has begun testing optional age verification methods for users in India. The Meta-owned messaging service said the pilot is designed to verify a user's age in a privacy-protective manner and that participation in the test is voluntary."To comply with upcoming laws in India like Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP), we are testing privacy-protective ways for people to confirm their age. This doesn't change how WhatsApp works or your experience. We understand that information about someone's age is private and it won't be shared with other WhatsApp users," a WhatsApp spokesperson said.The company clarified that users do not have to confirm their age to continue using WhatsApp during the test.The development comes as digital platforms prepare for the implementation of the DPDP framework, which introduces stricter obligations for companies handling children's personal data. Under the law, a child is defined as anyone below the age of 18, and companies processing children's personal data are required to obtain verifiable parental consent and put in place safeguards to protect young users.WhatsApp has not disclosed how long the pilot will run or the specific methods being evaluated for age verification. The company said the exercise is aimed at ensuring compliance while preserving user privacy.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.