WhatsApp · WhatsApp Terms of Service

Minimum Age Requirement

Medium severity
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Why it matters

If a child under the minimum age uses WhatsApp, their account may be terminated and their data deleted, but WhatsApp's enforcement mechanisms are limited.

Consumer impact

WhatsApp's Terms of Service grant the company a broad license to use content you share on the platform and reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time. US users are subject to binding arbitration and class action waivers, significantly limiting legal recourse. You can review and adjust your privacy and data settings within the WhatsApp app under Settings > Privacy.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    COPPA enforcement falls under FTC jurisdiction for platforms that may be used by children under 13 without adequate parental consent mechanisms.
    File a complaint →
  • State AG
    State Attorneys General may pursue enforcement actions related to inadequate child protection measures under state consumer protection and privacy laws.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
WhatsApp Terms of Service
Entity
WhatsApp
Document last updated
March 24, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 20, 2026
Last verified
March 20, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-000947
Document ID
CA-D-00175
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/terms-of-service
Wayback Machine
View archived versions →
SHA-256
ca3e9e1984d9b78386fbd958844b8ad461d7ffea2edb54426a603ef5f09b148c
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: WhatsApp | Document: WhatsApp Terms of Service | Record: CA-P-000947
Captured: 2026-03-20 11:18:43 UTC | SHA-256: ca3e9e1984d9b783…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/whatsapp/whatsapp-terms-of-service/minimum-age-requirement/
Accessed: April 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories
Account control

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