Activists have hit out at social networking company Meta for lowering the age for WhatsApp users from 16 to 13 in Britain and the European Union.
The change was announced in February and took effect on Wednesday. The technology protection group Smartphone Free Childhood said the decision comes in the face of growing demand for technology companies to do more to protect children, the Guardian reported.
"Allowing anyone over the age of 12 to use the platform sends the message that it is safe for children. But teachers, parents and experts tell a different story. As a community, we are fed up with the technological giants who put their profits before the protection of our children", said this group.
WhatsApp has said that safeguards are also in place.