Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 5: WhatsApp has begun testing new age-check methods for users in India as the Meta-owned messaging platform prepares to meet upcoming legal requirements, including provisions under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.

The company, however, clarified that the test is optional, and users will not have to confirm their age to continue using WhatsApp. It also assured that users’ age information will remain private and will not be shared with others on the platform.

"To comply with upcoming laws in India like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) Act, we are testing privacy-protective ways for people to confirm their age. This doesn't change how WhatsApp works or your experience," a WhatsApp spokesperson said in response to a PTI query.

The development comes after several users shared screenshots on X showing WhatsApp’s prompt asking them to add their date of birth, along with a message stating: "Upcoming laws in India require us to ask for your age."

The age-check trial has triggered discussions on social media, with users suggesting that the messaging platform may be preparing for future age-verification requirements in the country.

Earlier on Tuesday, IT Secretary S Krishnan said the move "might be from the context of DPDP Act, where it is (provisions are) age-related." However, he added that the government would need to verify the details with the company as the implementation deadline approaches.

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act regulates the processing of digital personal data while balancing an individual’s right to protect personal information with the need for lawful data processing.

The Act and associated rules lay down strict obligations for platforms handling children’s personal data, with children defined as individuals below 18 years of age.

Once fully implemented, the rules will require platforms to obtain verifiable consent from a child’s parent or lawful guardian before processing any personal data of a child. Platforms will also have to adopt appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure that such consent is authentic.

The regulations prohibit platforms from carrying out activities that could harm children or misuse their data. They also ban tracking or behavioural monitoring of children and prohibit targeted advertising aimed at children.

Failure to comply with obligations related to children’s data could result in significant financial penalties.

Experts believe that although the specific provisions on verifiable consent under Rule 10 are expected to come into force in May 2027, platforms may begin collecting such information early to ensure their systems are ready before enforcement begins.

Meanwhile, IT Ministry Secretary Krishnan said concerns over messaging platform username features extend beyond WhatsApp and apply to all messaging apps.

He said authorities would need to consider two aspects — the risk of impersonation arising from username features and privacy concerns.

"We are looking at what they had to say, the feedback that they've given, and we will take a final call," Krishnan said when asked whether the government was considering common standards for all messaging platforms.

A username feature allows users to communicate on messaging platforms without revealing their phone numbers.

Last month, the government issued a notice to Meta-owned WhatsApp over its proposed username feature, flagging concerns that it could increase risks of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks.

The Centre directed WhatsApp not to launch the feature in India until consultations on the matter were completed "to the satisfaction of the government".

The government also sought an explanation from Meta on why action should not be initiated under the Information Technology Act and related rules, while reminding WhatsApp of its due diligence obligations as a significant social media intermediary.

WhatsApp later submitted its response to the government notice and assured that it would not roll out the username feature in India until discussions were completed.

Following the notice to WhatsApp, the IT Ministry also issued notices to Telegram and Signal, seeking details about their existing username features and measures taken to address fraud and impersonation risks.

WhatsApp, which has around 50 crore users in India, continues to remain one of the messaging platform’s most important markets globally.