WhatsApp introduces optional parental controls for teenagers

WhatsApp is rolling out optional parental controls for teenagers in response to increasing pressure from governments and regulators to protect children on their platforms. The new tools allow parents to receive notifications when their teen joins or leaves a group, as well as control privacy settings for their account. However, parents will not be able to view the actual messages their teen sends or receives, which remain private and encrypted.

The controls are optional, according to Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, which analysts view as a "convenient" move as it reduces the company's reliance on age verification. The minimum age for using WhatsApp in the UK is 13, though it's higher in some countries. Parents can adjust or disable the controls at any time using a PIN set by them, which teens will need to switch off.

The new privacy tools include choosing who can see a child's profile photo, who can add them to groups, and adjusting Meta AI's content settings. These features aim to facilitate open discussions between parents and teens about responsible WhatsApp usage while maintaining the privacy of personal messages.