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UK, EU not included in initial rollout of Meta’s WhatsApp under-13 accounts (update*)

By Patricia Figueiredo ( March 12, 2026, 11:22 GMT | Insight) -- Meta Platforms will not immediately launch its new WhatsApp accounts for under-13 users in the UK or European Union, as British regulators intensify pressure on tech firms to strengthen age checks. The WhatsApp feature, which allows adults to manage accounts for children, was announced as the Information Commissioner’s Office and Ofcom warned that self-declaration of age is insufficient, and ordered platforms to tighten safeguards for children.Meta Platforms will not immediately launch its new WhatsApp parent-managed accounts in the UK or the European Union....

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