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WhatsApp reveals parent-controlled accounts for under 13s amid safety concerns
WhatsApp's new parent-managed accounts restrict under-13s to messaging and calling with end-to-end encryption and PIN-protected controls, rolling out globally over months.
- On March 11, 2026, Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp announced parent-managed accounts for under-13s, restricting use to messaging and calling with parental consent.
- Responding to parent feedback, WhatsApp said the feature addresses parents and guardians wanting a tailored experience amid policy moves on underage social media access in countries including Denmark, Germany, Spain and the U.K.
- Parents will set up and link accounts using both devices and a QR code, and manage contacts, group approvals, and privacy with a six-digit PIN while chats remain end-to-end encrypted.
- The feature will be rolled out in select geographies over the coming months, and accounts stay linked until a child's 13th birthday, after which parents have the option to delay unlinking by 12 months.
- Experts and regulators observing safety and security trends note that WhatsApp's move could set a precedent given its more than 3 billion users, amid ongoing safety debates.
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29 Articles
WhatsApp launches parent-managed accounts for pre-teens amid safety concerns
Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp said on Wednesday it would allow parents to create accounts for pre-teens, restricted to messaging and calling, amid rising global concerns about the impact of social media and chat apps on children.
·United Kingdom
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Madrid, (EFE).- WhatsApp announced the new accounts managed by the parents, which allow these and tutors to configure the messaging application for preteens with new controls to limit their experience to messages and calls. These accounts, which will be implemented globally in the coming months, include by default "new strict settings", parental controls ... Read more
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Total News Sources29
Leaning Left5Leaning Right6Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Center
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center
42% Center
L 26%
C 42%
R 32%
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