WhatsApp is developing parental controls for minors, allowing parents to manage privacy settings and monitor activity without accessing messages. This feature, termed “secondary accounts,” aims to regulate minors’ interactions on the platform.
The Meta-owned company is reportedly developing secondary accounts with limited features. These accounts will include a dedicated link for another user to connect and control privacy settings. The parent account will also access other controls, such as viewing a teenager’s activity updates.
WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo states the instant messaging platform is creating parental controls for users under 18. This feature is under development, and its visibility on the latest Android beta version may differ by region.
These secondary accounts are for minors and teenagers. WhatsApp aims to provide a safer experience while maintaining privacy for underage users who connect with friends, join groups, and interact with family.
These secondary accounts link with a primary account belonging to a parent or guardian. The connection occurs via a dedicated link, according to the tracker. A screenshot revealed various privacy controls available to the parent once the secondary account connects.
Secondary accounts will, by default, allow text and call only to saved contacts on the device. They can receive messages and calls from saved contacts only. Parents can control who views the minor’s profile picture, last seen, About info, and whether read receipts are active or inactive.
When default settings are active, only saved contacts can add the minor to a group. The parent account also receives regular activity updates on the secondary account; however, specific visible data remains unclear.
WhatsApp appears to be balancing parental access with the need to protect minors’ exposure and monitor app usage. Underage users maintain control over their privacy, as parents cannot view chat lists, call logs, or message and call content.
