WhatsApp tests new Restricted Chat and parental control features

WhatsApp is testing several new features across its Android and iOS beta versions to enhance user privacy and security. A major update is the introduction of ‘Restricted Chat’, which replaces the previous ‘Advanced Chat Privacy’ setting. This feature allows users to isolate specific individual conversations by applying four key restrictions: preventing media from being automatically saved to the device gallery, disabling chat exports, blocking Meta AI features within the chat, and, most significantly, preventing access via linked devices such as WhatsApp Web or desktop applications. This last measure is intended to stop unofficial clients and AI agents from accessing messages through linked channels.

Additionally, WhatsApp is expanding its parental control tools to include teenagers. These controls allow parents to monitor group activity changes—such as when a teen joins or leaves a group—and manage how Meta AI is used, including a ‘Limited Content’ mode. These parental features do not grant access to the actual content of private messages or calls, which remain protected by end-to-end encryption.

Other updates being tested include a redesigned navigation bar for Android, which may integrate a Meta AI button directly into the bar, and new account security measures such as a classic password option to supplement the existing SMS-based verification system.