WhatsApp has begun testing a feature in India that prompts some users to add their date of birth, aiming to comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) of 2023. This move follows similar age verification rules implemented in countries like Australia. The test started in early August 2026 and is not yet rolled out to all users, according to medianama.com.
A WhatsApp spokesperson confirmed the test to independent journalist Aditi Agarwal, stating that Meta is exploring privacy-protective methods for age confirmation. The spokesperson emphasized that the feature will not alter the user experience or share sensitive age data with other users. The test notification appeared as a prompt asking users to "Add your date of birth; upcoming laws in India require us to ask for your age," as shared on social media by Abhishek Yadav.
The DPDP Act governs how platforms manage personal data of children under 18, requiring platforms to implement safeguards for minors' data. WhatsApp's age declaration test aligns with these legal requirements, reflecting growing regulatory scrutiny over social media platforms' handling of children's data. This development follows global trends where countries enforce minimum age limits and data protection standards on social media services.
The DPDP Act, enacted in 2023, defines a child as anyone under 18 and mandates platforms to protect their data. WhatsApp's ongoing test represents one of the first concrete steps by a major social media platform to meet these requirements in India, as reported by medianama.com on August 1, 2026.