WhatsApp, the messaging platform owned by Meta, is making a significant change by allowing users under the age of 13 to join the service, provided they have parental consent. This decision comes as a response to parental requests for safer access for their children. The process will involve parents signing their children up for accounts and connecting them with parental controls, which will go live in the coming months.

For those accounts created for users under 13, Meta has established specific restrictions to enhance safety. These accounts will be limited to basic functionalities such as calls and messaging, with restrictions preventing access to Meta's AI features, statuses, or group channels. Furthermore, the accounts will need to remain linked to the parent until the child's 13th birthday, providing an option for parents to delay unlinking for another year if desired.

This initiative underscores Meta's recognition of parents' concerns regarding children's online interactions. By implementing these parental controls, Meta aims to create a safer environment for young users while still giving parents the ability to manage their children's usage and privacy settings effectively. This move may also set a precedent for how social media platforms deal with younger users in the future.