eSAFETY GUIDE
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WhatsApp

13+
Minimum age according to WhatsApp
13+ Minimum age according to WhatsApp

What is WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is a free messaging, voice and video calling app, owned by Meta[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/meta], that uses end-to-end encryption. All messages flowing through the platform are secured so that only the sender and the recipient can view them. The app doesn’t store your personal information, and only people you approve as contacts can message you. You can also message with groups of people. However, group messages can conflict with some privacy settings. For example, if you have blocked someone, they can still appear in a group message that you can see. The use of end-to-end encryption means that WhatsApp is unable to read your messages even if it wanted to.

You can also access Meta AI[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/meta-ai], an artificial intelligence chatbot, through WhatsApp's search and messaging features. Meta AI[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/meta-ai] can answer questions, search the internet and create AI-generated images in group chats.

Website: whatsapp.comExternal link[https://www.whatsapp.com/]

Apps: Android appExternal link[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whatsapp&hl=en], Apple iOS appExternal link[https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997?mt=8]

How do people use WhatsApp?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use messaging and video calling services like WhatsApp.

WhatsApp is used for: anonymous communication[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/anonymous], content sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/content-sharing], encrypted[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/encrypted], messaging/online chat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/messaging-online-chat], online relationships[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/online-relationships], photo/video sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/photo-video-sharing], screen capture[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/screen-capture], voice chat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/voice-chat] and video calling[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/video-calling].

How can you report online abuse, block someone or protect your account?

These links are provided by WhatsApp:

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by WhatsApp:

These links are provided by WhatsApp:

Last updated: 11/06/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parentsExternal link, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and appsExternal link and mental wellbeing resources for familiesExternal link.