WhatsApp has unveiled a new feature offering parent-supervised accounts for users under 13 years old. These accounts are restricted to messaging and calling functionalities, with no ads directed towards them. Despite WhatsApp’s age rating of 13+ on app stores, the platform recognized the use of its service by pre-teens and responded to parental feedback by implementing this safeguard.
Setting up a pre-teen account requires the parent or guardian to authenticate via QR code using both their own and the child’s device. Parents can customize alerts for the managed account’s actions, such as adding or blocking contacts, with default alerts for such activities. Additionally, optional activity alerts can be enabled for actions like profile changes, group interactions, and message deletions, all secured with a six-digit PIN.
WhatsApp clarified that these managed accounts will not access advanced features like Meta AI, Channels, or Status updates, and are unable to activate disappearing messages for individual chats. The platform assured users that all communications remain end-to-end encrypted and private, emphasizing the protection of pre-teen users.
Pre-teens will be notified via context cards about messages from unknown contacts, providing details on the sender’s association with existing contacts for added security.
Source: TechCrunch