WhatsApp lowers minimum user age to 13

WhatsApp has lowered the minimum age for those who can use the messaging service from 16 to 13.

The reduction is part of new terms and conditions which took effect on Friday, and brings WhatsApp into line with other social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, all of which have a minimum users age of 13.

It comes despite a plea from the Department of Education earlier this week, asking social media firms to increase their minimum service users age to 16.

Minister for Education Norma Foley hosted a roundtable discussion with representatives of social media and technology firms in Ireland on Wednesday, focusing on changes which could be made to improve child safety online.

Commenting after the meeting, Ms Foley highlighted that from her discussions with parents and schools, it is clear that children below the age of 13 are accessing social media platforms, which officials would like to see addressed.

"I acknowledged the wonderful gift that technology, and social media in particular, can be for people.

"Social media services have enormous power but with that comes enormous responsibility and a duty of care to young people," the Minister said.

"We need to have a robust system of age verification put in place," she stressed, but added that she is "heartened" that Coimisiún na Mean is examining age verification methods as part of its draft online safety code.