WhatsApp has introduced updated privacy settings for users under 18 in Brazil, restricting access to features like “Last time seen” and profile information in the beta version of the Android app. Teenagers are now unable to select the “All” option for these settings.
The app will show different options for privacy settings, like “Nobody”, “My contacts”, or “My contacts except…”, when it recognizes that the user is a minor. This change aims to safeguard young users and limit the sharing of personal information publicly.
WhatsApp Change comes after ECA Digital.
The new Brazilian regulations mandate that all digital platforms must provide increased privacy settings for underage users in accordance with the Digital ECA guidelines.
The app shows a warning message after making the change, indicating that certain settings have been automatically adjusted due to Brazilian laws. If the individual had kept “All” selected in any of these options, the system switches it to “My contacts” automatically.
Unknown individuals are unable to view the user’s online status, profile description, or links to social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
Who is currently using it and who should install it now
The modification applies solely to individuals under 18 years old who had the “All” option enabled. New users under 18 will have stricter settings automatically applied upon installation.
The new feature is being rolled out slowly in version 2.26.8.7 of WhatsApp Beta for Android, with only some testers currently having access to it, as reported by WABetaInfo.
There is no set date yet for the stable version of the feature to be available to everyone in Brazil. However, now that the tool has completed development and is in public testing, the full release is expected soon.
