Saw a date of birth prompt on WhatsApp? Here's what it means

WhatsApp is testing a new feature in India that asks some users to provide their date of birth as part of preparations to comply with upcoming legal requirements. The feature is currently being tested on a limited basis and does not affect how people use the messaging platform.

Some users in India have reported seeing a prompt at the top of the app that reportedly reads, "Add your date of birth. Upcoming laws in India require us to ask for your age."

India is WhatsApp's largest market, with more than 600 million users.

Linked to upcoming data protection law

Responding to queries about the feature, a WhatsApp spokesperson was quoted as saying by NDTV, "To comply with upcoming laws in India like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, we are testing privacy-protective ways for people to confirm their age."

The move is linked to provisions in the Digital Personal Data Protection Act that require platforms to introduce age verification measures for determining whether users are below 18 years of age.

Countries across the world are also considering or introducing stricter rules governing children's access to online platforms, although some regulations, including those in Australia, do not currently cover WhatsApp.

Feature remains optional

WhatsApp clarified that the test is optional and users do not have to submit their age to continue using the app.

The company said, "This doesn't change how WhatsApp works or your experience." It also sought to reassure users about privacy, adding, "We understand that information about someone's age is private and it won't be shared with other WhatsApp users."

Comes amid increased scrutiny in India

The trial comes at a time when Meta is facing increased attention from Indian authorities on multiple issues.

Earlier this week, the company apologised after a Facebook post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi relating to examination paper leaks was temporarily restricted.

Separately, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has asked WhatsApp to delay the rollout of its upcoming username feature, citing concerns related to impersonation and digital arrest scams.

The latest age verification test marks another step by the messaging platform as it prepares for evolving regulatory requirements while continuing to test new features for users in India.