WhatsApp is developing a new feature that allows parents to supervise sub-accounts linked to their main accounts, which are intended for younger age groups. This step aims to enhance the digital safety of children and reduce unwanted interactions within the application.
The feature is still under development and has not been officially launched yet, but it appeared in a trial update on the Android system.
Sub-accounts:
The new feature, called “Parental Main Controls”, includes creating a secondary account linked to the parent’s account.
This secondary account targets younger users, and some of its functions will be restricted by default, such as limiting sending messages and receiving calls to contacts only, in order to reduce communication with strangers.
In addition, parents will be able to review and modify the privacy settings for the secondary account. It should be noted that limited information about the account activity may be shared with parents, without accessing the content of messages or calls, as encryption remains active.
This feature addresses a gap currently in WhatsApp, where there are no clear options to determine who can send messages or make calls to the user, which is a particular challenge when the application is used by children.
Development stages:
The feature appeared in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android number 2.26.1.30, as part of a series of “beta” updates that provide an early look at future functions before their release to the public.
But no official date has been confirmed for the release of the feature to all users.
It is expected that parents will be able to link accounts easily through customized settings, allowing them to place appropriate restrictions on children’s use of WhatsApp without affecting the full privacy of the content.
Although the feature is still under development, it reflects the interest of the parent company “Meta” in providing solutions that achieve a balance between security and privacy in digital applications.
