The app, which is owned by the massive social network company Meta, said that it is changing in order to guarantee that the minimum age limit is the same everywhere.

The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), two new EU rules, have prompted WhatsApp to update its terms of service and privacy policies.

It is expanding the details of its principles and guidelines which specify what is and isn't permitted on WhatsApp in its terms of service.

It will provide information regarding a recent EU regulation that allows users to send messages to compatible third-party apps using WhatsApp.

Due to modifications made to the app's international data transmission protocols, users in the European Union will now be protected by the recently established EU-US Data Privacy Framework.

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined Meta a record €1.2 billion last year for violations involving the transfer of personal data from the EU to the US. The business is contesting the decision.

WhatsApp also disclosed today that it will provide more details to 'Channels' users on reporting material and contesting judgements.

“These updates for users in the European Region do not change our commitment to user privacy and do not expand any data sharing when messaging other WhatsApp users,” a representative for WhatsApp stated.

“Wherever you are in the world, we protect all personal messages with end-to-end encryption, which means no one, not even WhatsApp, can read or listen to them,” they stated.

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A passionate Irish journalist with a love for cycling, politics and of course Portugal especially their sausage rolls.

Rory Mc Ginn