Facebook releases Messenger variant for children in the US

Facebook has released a variant of its Messenger chat app in the US. It is aimed at children and allows parents to choose and approve their children’s contacts. It is unknown whether Facebook also wants to release the app in Europe.

The app can be managed from the Facebook account of one of the parents, according to the company. On a special page, it explains that only parents can make friend requests on behalf of the child. That means, for example, that two children can only chat with their parents’ approval. Communication is possible between Messenger and Messenger Kids, as the new app is called.

Parents can download the app on their child’s device and then authenticate with their own Facebook account. This construction does not create a Facebook or Messenger account for the child. It is possible to block contacts and to report questionable material. For example, according to Facebook, all stickers and gifs are pre-screened for suitability for children.

The free app has no in-app purchases and is free of ads. Facebook claims that children’s data will not be used for advertising purposes either. In the accompanying privacy policy, Facebook explains that, among other things, it collects the communication within the app and makes it available to its partners under certain conditions. In the announcement, Facebook says the app will be available in the US, but the company doesn’t provide details about its availability in Europe.