Incident #E044EF · 02 JUL 2026notable
WhatsApp EU privacy policy adds usernames, age checks, parent supervision, guest calls and third-party app linking
The updated policy adds usernames, collection of age information (including video selfies sent to an age-estimation provider), parent-supervised accounts, guest participation in calls, and linking of WhatsApp to third-party apps such as calendars. It also adds WhatsApp-hosted encrypted backups, extra device-trust signals and a stated limit on business marketing messages. Subscription data sharing with Meta already existed and only gained a few data types. Much of the rest is rewording of existing sections.
Taken from you
- Age information, proof of age and parent-supervision link data are now collected
- Video selfies are shared with an age-estimation provider, which deletes them after estimating age
- More device data is collected: trusted-device signals, backup-linking and guest identifiers
- Third-party applications such as calendars can now be linked to your account, and their providers may receive information you share with them.
- For subscription features like Meta One, Meta now also receives your app version and which entry point you use for subscriptions.
- Profile name and photo may be visible to guests joining via a call link
- Location messages are now described as 'encrypted' rather than 'end-to-end encrypted'
Won back
- Usernames can be used so others can see you without your phone number
- Parental controls and supervised accounts are available
- WhatsApp now says it limits the amount of marketing messages you can receive from businesses.
- Backups can be kept in WhatsApp storage and linked third-party connections can be revoked in settings
Evidence · 4 of 4 quotes matched in source
We collect or receive age information (including proof of age in some cases), for example, if you provide your age to WhatsApp or add your WhatsApp account to an Accounts Centre with other Meta Company products.+ inserted · ✓ matched in source
To do this, they receive Account Information (e.g. images from your video selfie) and delete it after estimating your age.+ inserted · ✓ matched in source
Precise Location Information which you share in your chats is encrypted which means that it cannot be seen by WhatsApp.+ inserted · ✓ matched in source
When you share a call link, your profile name and photo may also be visible to anyone that joins the call from the call link, including guest users.+ inserted · ✓ matched in source
Archived version ↗ · 5,605 words changed