Meta has recently announced a change in the minimum age requirement for WhatsApp users in the U.K. and EU, lowering it from 16 to 13. This decision, which came into effect on April 12, has sparked significant backlash from various campaign groups.
One such group, Smartphone Free Childhood, strongly criticized the move, stating that it contradicts the increasing demand for major tech companies to prioritize child safety. The group expressed concerns that allowing individuals as young as 13 to use the platform sends a misleading message about its safety for children, despite the differing views of teachers, parents, and experts.
