TL;DR
WhatsApp is developing a tiered account system that lets one primary account manage one or more secondary accounts with restricted features. The capability, seen in an Android beta, defaults to privacy and communication limits for secondary users and gives the primary user control over certain settings.
What happened
A recent build of WhatsApp's Android beta (version 2.26.1.30) includes references to a two-tier account arrangement that separates 'Primary' and 'Secondary' accounts. The change, reported by WABetaInfo, would let a Primary account holder add and manage secondary profiles that run with constrained functionality. Secondary accounts would start with defaults such as limited visibility of last seen/online status, profile picture and About visible only to contacts, and read receipts disabled. Communication controls restrict interactions so that secondary users can message or call contacts, while only contacts can initiate messages/calls to them or add them to groups. Primary users would receive updates about chat and account activity and could alter privacy settings via a 'Primary Controls' section. The feature is still under development and there is no confirmed schedule for a public rollout.
Why it matters
- Builds a native option for guardians to supervise accounts without relying on third-party or device-level tools.
- Could change how families manage younger users’ presence and interactions on WhatsApp by providing enforceable defaults.
- Raises privacy and oversight questions about what 'updates about chat and account activity' will include.
- Introduces a model other messaging platforms might adopt if the approach proves useful or popular.
Key facts
- The tiered-account references were found in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.1.30.
- The discovery was reported by WABetaInfo.
- Accounts will be classified as Primary (manager) and Secondary (restricted).
- Default privacy limits for Secondary accounts include contacts-only visibility for profile photo and About, selective visibility of last seen/online, and read receipts turned off.
- Communication defaults allow Secondary users to message or call their contacts, while only contacts can message/call them or add them to groups.
- Primary accounts can get updates about a Secondary account's chat and account activity and adjust privacy settings through 'Primary Controls'.
- The reduced permissions listed are said to be default settings; the Primary can modify them.
- WhatsApp already has a minimum age requirement, but the report notes that a user could enter a false birthdate to appear older than 13.
- The feature is in development and the timing and scope of a wider release are currently unclear.
What to watch next
- Official announcement from WhatsApp confirming the feature and its intended audience — not confirmed in the source.
- Exact details of what 'updates about chat and account activity' allow the Primary to see or receive — not confirmed in the source.
- Rollout timing and platform coverage (stable Android release, iOS and web clients) — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Primary account: An account designated to manage one or more secondary profiles; able to adjust privacy and receive activity updates for those accounts.
- Secondary account: A subordinate profile with restricted visibility and communication defaults intended for supervised use.
- Read receipts: Notifications that indicate whether a sent message has been read by the recipient.
- Last seen/online: Status indicators that show when a user was last active on the messaging app or whether they are currently online.
Reader FAQ
Is WhatsApp adding parental controls?
WhatsApp is testing a system of Primary and Secondary accounts in an Android beta that could be used for parental supervision.
When will these controls be available to everyone?
Not confirmed in the source.
Will a Primary be able to read a Secondary user’s messages?
The source states a Primary can get updates about chat and account activity, but whether that includes full access to message content is not confirmed in the source.
Is the feature explicitly for parents and children?
The feature is described as a general secondary-account option and is not explicitly labeled as being only for parents and children.
WhatsApp is finally bringing parental controls to the platform By Karandeep Singh Oberoi Published 9 minutes ago Karandeep Singh Oberoi is a Durham College Journalism and Mass Media graduate who…
Sources
- WhatsApp is finally bringing parental controls to the platform
- WhatsApp Is Developing Secondary Accounts for Parental …
- WhatsApp tests parental controls to let parents manage …
- WhatsApp could soon let parents manage kids' secondary …
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