This analysis describes what WhatsApp's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
Account creation is conditioned on providing a mobile phone number, making anonymous or phone-number-free registration unavailable.
The updated policy now explicitly states that users may see other types of ads in Status and Channels, reversing prior language indicating WhatsApp had no intention to introduce ads. This represents a shift from the previous position and discloses a change in the advertising model. The policy also adds a new section directing US residents to a separate Regional Privacy Notice where consumer privacy rights under US law are described. Users in the US may wish to review that separate notice to understand their specific privacy rights and any opt-out or data access mechanisms available under applicable state law.
View change record →You cannot create a WhatsApp account without providing your mobile phone number and basic information including a profile name.
How other platforms handle this
You must provide accurate and complete information to register for an account to use our Services.
When You register for an account, You agree to provide true, accurate, current and complete information and to keep Your account up to date.
you agree to (a) provide true, accurate, current and complete information about yourself as prompted by the registration form...and (b) maintain and promptly update the Registration Data
"You must provide your mobile phone number and basic information (including a profile name of your choice) to create a WhatsApp account. If you don't provide us with this information, you will not be able to create an account...Excerpt from WhatsApp's Privacy Policy
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Account creation is conditioned on providing a mobile phone number, making anonymous or phone-number-free registration unavailable.
You cannot create a WhatsApp account without providing your mobile phone number and basic information including a profile name.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 258 platforms. See the full comparison.
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