Meta: WhatsApp is completely safe for children. New kids accounts launched with 7 strict rules and parental control.

News India Live, Digital Desk: Amidst the increasing dangers of social media, WhatsApp has removed a major concern of parents. Till now the minimum age to use WhatsApp was 13 years, but now through ‘Parent-Managed Accounts’ even small children (10-12 years) will be able to safely connect with family and friends. This feature has been designed based on feedback from security experts and families. Parents will have these 5 ‘super controls’: Contact Approval: Parents will decide who the child can talk to. The child will not be able to save any new contact on his own. Group Privacy: Parental permission will be mandatory to join any group. Group invitation links will also go to the parent for review. Limited Features: Features like Status, Channels and Meta AI will be disabled (off) in these accounts of children, so that they can focus only on messaging and calling. 6-digit Parent PIN: There will be a ‘Parent PIN’ to review privacy settings and new message requests, without which the child will not be able to change the settings. Activity Alert: Whenever the child chats with a new person Receives a request or leaves a group, parents will get instant notification. Privacy and Security (No Snooping): WhatsApp has clarified that despite security, end-to-end encryption will remain intact. This means that parents will also not be able to read personal messages of children or listen to calls. They will only manage who the child is talking to. How to setup? (Step-by-Step Guide): Install WhatsApp on the child’s phone and select ‘Create a parent-managed account’. Enter the child’s date of birth. Scan the QR code visible on the child’s phone from your (parent) phone. Verify your age and identity (via selfie). Set a 6-digit ‘Parent PIN’.