WhatsApp is set to ban children under 16 from using its app across Europe, Reuters reported.
The move comes in compliance with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), initiated by the European Union. GDPR will apply to every company with users in Europe, even if the company itself is not based in Europe.
Previously, most internet programs, including email and social media, required users to be over the age of 13.
GDPR goes into effect on May 25. It is not yet clear how WhatsApp plans to enforce its policy change.
For those not located in Europe, the minimum age will remain thirteen.
Meanwhile, Facebook, which owns WhatsApp, aims to solve the dilemma by forcing users aged 13-15 to appoint a parent or guardian who will allow them to share information via Facebook.