Meta-owned WhatsApp has updated its Business messaging policy to permit promotional messages from companies in regulated sectors, including real-money gaming and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, to users in India, according to a report in the Times of India.
This policy change opens new avenues for targeted advertising on the platform while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Companies engaged in real-money gaming and OTC medicines can now send promotional messages via WhatsApp. This includes all forms of online gambling, such as betting, lotteries, casino games, fantasy sports, and more. OTC drug companies are also included in this updated policy.
The TOI report stated that users under 18 years of age will not receive these promotional messages. WhatsApp‘s updated policy explicitly states that messaging must not target minors.