These are the rules you agree to when using WhatsApp. They cover what you can and can't do on the platform, how WhatsApp can use your content, and what happens if there's a dispute. Key things to know: WhatsApp can change or terminate the service, your account can be suspended for policy violations, and US users may be subject to binding arbitration instead of court proceedings.
Technical Summary
This document constitutes WhatsApp's Terms of Service, governing the contractual relationship between WhatsApp LLC (or WhatsApp Ireland Limited for EEA/UK users) and its global user base. It establishes conditions for account registration, acceptable use, content licensing, service modifications, and termination rights. Notable provisions include a broad intellectual property license granted to WhatsApp over user content, limitations on liability capped at applicable law minimums, mandatory compliance with Meta Companies' policies, and differentiated dispute resolution mechanisms by jurisdiction including arbitration clauses for US users. The ToS also addresses third-party services, user safety obligations, and WhatsApp's unilateral right to modify or terminate service.
If you are a US user and have a dispute with WhatsApp, you must resolve it through binding individual arbitration rather than going to court, unless you opt out within 30 days.
WhatsApp shares your information with other Meta Companies (including Facebook and Instagram) as described in their Privacy Policy, which may include account information and usage data.
WhatsApp limits its financial liability to you to the maximum extent permitted by law, meaning the company is not responsible for most losses, damages, or harms you experience while using the service.
When you send messages, photos, videos, or other content through WhatsApp, you grant WhatsApp a license to use, reproduce, and distribute that content to operate and improve the service.
WhatsApp can suspend or terminate your account at any time if they believe you have violated their Terms of Service or for any other reason they deem appropriate.
WhatsApp can change these Terms of Service at any time, and your continued use of the service after changes are posted constitutes your agreement to the new terms.
WhatsApp requires users to be at least 13 years old (16 in some regions) to use the service, and parents are responsible for ensuring their children comply with this requirement.
For US users, disputes are governed by California law. For EEA and UK users, WhatsApp Ireland Limited or WhatsApp UK Limited is the responsible entity, subject to local laws.
You must not use WhatsApp to send spam, illegal content, harmful content, or anything that violates their policies. WhatsApp can remove content and suspend accounts that violate these rules.
Added March 20, 2026
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Class Action Waiver and similar clauses.