WhatsApp to introduce parent-managed accounts for under-13 users in UK

Meta Platforms is preparing a major update to WhatsApp that will allow children under the age of 13 to use the messaging app in the United Kingdom under strict parental supervision.

The company confirmed that parents will soon be able to create and manage WhatsApp accounts for their children. 

Under the proposed system, parents must set up the account themselves and link it to their own profile. 

The child’s account will remain connected to a parent or guardian until the user turns 13, giving adults control over who can contact their child on the platform.

Despite the parental oversight, the messages themselves will remain private. WhatsApp said conversations will continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning parents will not be able to read the content of messages exchanged between users.

Accounts created for children will also come with limited features. Younger users will only be able to send messages and make voice calls. 

Other tools on the platform—such as the company’s AI chatbot, status updates and channels—will not be available. In addition, disappearing messages will be restricted in private chats.

The move comes as regulators increase scrutiny of how technology companies manage children’s safety and data privacy online. 

The Information Commissioner's Office in the UK has previously emphasised that digital platforms must ensure services used by minors comply with the guidelines outlined in its Children’s Code and broader data-protection rules.

Meta said the update responds to requests from parents who want their children to use messaging platforms while maintaining safeguards and supervision. 

To keep the accounts active, users under 13 will also be required to verify the account with a parent or guardian.