NEW DELHI: Meta-owned WhatsApp has launched a new "parent-managed" account model, allowing pre-teens (under 13) to use the messaging platform under strict guardian supervision.
The move represents a strategic shift for the app, which has historically required users to be at least 13 years old (or older in some regions).
"With input from families and experts, we're rolling out new parent-managed accounts that allow parents or guardians to set up WhatsApp for pre-teens, with controls to limit their experience to messaging and calling," WhatsApp said in a blog post.
While parents can manage the contact list, the content of messages will remain protected by end-to-end encryption.
The parental controls and settings are secured by a parent PIN on the managed device, with only parents able to access or modify privacy settings.
The feature is being rolled out in phases.