WhatsApp is updating Terms of Service and Privacy Policies in Europe

In the upcoming months, WhatsApp has plans to implement some updates to their Terms of Service and Privacy Policies in the European region, in response to two new EU regulations: the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act. These updates are set to take effect in April, and users within Europe will be informed through a notification directly within the app.

WhatsApp has recently announced updates to their Terms of Service and Privacy Policies. These updates come in response to two new EU regulations, namely the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act. Basically, nothing really changes for users. However, WhatsApp still needs to comply with the new regulations in the European Region to continue operating by adding some information about what is or is not allowed on WhatsApp. To ensure compliance and transparency, all users in Europe who install the recent versions of WhatsApp for iOS and Android will promptly receive a notification directly within the app:

As you can see in this screenshot, WhatsApp has plans to announce new updates to their Terms of Service and Privacy Policies by presenting a banner at the top of the chats list. It is important to note that the new terms only applies to users in Europe, as WhatsApp seeks to align their operations with the requirements set forth by the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act. These regulations necessitate clearer guidelines and policies regarding permissible content and user behavior on the platform.

WhatsApp is adding more information to their Terms of Service about guidelines and policies by outlining what is permissible or not allowed on the platform. This step is designed to provide users with clearer expectations regarding their behavior on WhatsApp. A significant addition is the option to receive messages from supported third-party apps, an upcoming feature we announced in the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.2.10.72 update. WhatsApp is also explaining how they apply guidelines for channels, and how users can report content and appeal decisions related to these channels.

There will be adjustments to international data transfer mechanisms. For users in the European Region, WhatsApp will rely on the new EU-US Data Privacy Framework, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. The minimum age to use WhatsApp in the European Region will be changed from 16 to 13. This change aims to establish a consistent minimum age requirement for WhatsApp globally, aligning with international standards. It's also important to note that WhatsApp reassures users that their personal messages and calls remain end-to-end encrypted. This means that not even WhatsApp can access or read them, ensuring an enhanced private and secure experience.

Users are required to accept these updates to WhatsApp's Terms of Service by continuing to use the platform after April 11, 2024. However, if users choose not to accept, they can explore alternative account options. For more detailed information, users are encouraged to read the updated Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Supplemental Terms of Service for WhatsApp Channels, and WhatsApp Channels Supplemental Privacy Policy provided by WhatsApp.

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