<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">WhatsApp UK raised its minimum age requirement from 16 to 18 in response to the UK's Online Safety Act.Users who do not meet the new age requirement will be barred from using the service.The change is seen as an effort to comply with regulations and protect minors from harmful content.WhatsApp relies on self-declaration for age verification, raising questions about enforcement.Parents and advocates may need to play a more active role in monitoring young users' online activities.This change indicates a shift towards stricter digital accountability for tech companies.The updated age limit may prompt other platforms to implement similar age restrictions.Users under 18 in the UK may no longer have unrestricted access to WhatsApp.The change aims to align with regulations and enhance child safety on online platforms.WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption makes monitoring content challenging, especially involving minors.The new policy emphasizes the need for enhanced oversight of minors' online interactions.The UK's Online Safety Act places greater responsibilities on digital platforms to protect children.Tech companies are facing increasing pressure to prioritize safety and regulatory compliance.The age adjustment signals a trend towards more stringent age policies and access controls.The days of unrestricted WhatsApp use for users under 18 in the UK may be limited.The news article discusses WhatsApp UK's age requirement adjustment and its implications for users.The article appeared on TechJuice.This article is eligible for a web story as it provides significant information on WhatsApp's age policy change in the UK.The eligibility for a web story is true.