A wave of anger has erupted among many Europeans against the company "Meta" after it lowered the minimum age for WhatsApp users from 16 to 13 years in the European Union. Although the announcement of this change was made in February, it took effect two days ago, provoking the ire of many European activists.
The "Smartphone Free Childhood" campaign labeled this move as "contradictory to the increasing demands from major technology companies to put in more effort in protecting children." They indicated that officially allowing anyone over the age of 12 to use WhatsApp (which previously had a minimum age of 16) sends a message that it is safe for children. However, many experts, educators, and parents tell a completely different story, according to "The Guardian."
They emphasized that society is generally tired of tech giants prioritizing shareholder profits over the protection and safety of children. In response, WhatsApp denied putting children at risk, noting that this age change aligns with the minimum age set in most countries around the world.
