Some WhatsApp users in India have reported seeing an in-app prompt asking them to enter their date of birth, triggering speculation about a possible age-verification rollout linked to future regulatory requirements.
Screenshots circulating online show WhatsApp requesting users to provide their date of birth before continuing to use the app. According to reports, the prompt has appeared for a limited number of users in India, following similar tests previously reported in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Neither WhatsApp nor its parent company Meta has officially announced a mandatory age-verification policy for Indian users. There has also been no notification from the Indian government regarding such a requirement.
WhatsApp's Help Centre states that the platform may ask users to provide or verify their age when creating an account or accessing certain features. In some cases, additional documentation may be requested for verification.
According to the company, age information is used to comply with local laws, enable age-appropriate features, enforce its Terms of Service, and manage security and privacy settings. WhatsApp also says users' birth dates are not visible to other people on the platform.
The reported prompt comes as several countries introduce stricter age-verification requirements for digital platforms. WhatsApp has previously been linked to testing similar features in beta versions, while countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia have introduced or expanded regulations governing minors' access to online services.
While the prompt has prompted speculation, there is no confirmation that it signals a new regulatory requirement in India. Industry observers note that Meta has previously tested age-related features in select markets before wider deployment. Any nationwide rollout would likely require an official announcement from either Meta or the Indian government.
