Meta-owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp has launched a new “parental control” account model aimed at users under 13 years of age.
“Informed by input from families and experts, we’re introducing new accounts that allow parents or guardians to create WhatsApp for their younger teens with restrictions that limit their ability to texting and calling,” the company said in a blog post.
In this case, parents will be able to manage their contact list, but the content of messages will still be protected by end-to-end encryption.
Parental controls and settings are protected by the parent’s PIN on the managed device – only parents can access and change privacy settings.
The feature will be rolled out in different regions of the world in stages.