WhatsApp in India: Users will now get ads on the social platform

WhatsApp users in India will get ads from a few companies.

It is reported that WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has now permitted a few companies to play ads for users in India. It has given permission to businesses in regulated sectors like real-money gaming and over-the-counter drugs to send promotional messages to Indian users. The updated policy requires compliance with local laws and also prohibits messaging to minors. However, companies will require permission and provide evidence of lawful operations to send such messages.

WhatsApp allows companies from regulated sectors to send ads.

Meta-owned WhatsApp allows companies from regulated sectors like over-the-counter drugs and real-money gaming to send promotional messages to its users in India. The instant messaging platform has updated its WhatsApp Business messaging policy, which allows companies to send promotional messages to users.

Under-18 users are not eligible.

The company, in an updated business policy page, said that WhatsApp Business messaging promoting online real-money gaming and over-the-counter drugs “must comply with all applicable local laws, required or established industry codes, guidelines, licenses and must comply with age and country requirements consistent with applicable local laws.” It added, “Messaging may not be sent to people under 18 years of age.”

Activities under real-money gaming as listed by WhatsApp include –

• All forms of gambling. Some may include betting, raffles, fantasy sports, etc.
• Games with monetary value as part of the entry, games that require purchases to continue gameplay or games that provide an advantage in winning prizes.
• Promotions for online real money or games.

Additional requirements for sending real-money gaming messages include –

• Request permission from Meta Platforms Inc. using an application form.
• Provide evidence that a regulator licenses online real-money gaming activities.

However, WhatsApp Business messages promoting alcohol continue to be prohibited in India. Businesses cannot send WhatsApp promotional messages to buy or sell goods or services.