WhatsApp Introduces Parental Controls, Scam Alert on iPhone
WhatsApp is making it easier for parents to set up managed accounts on iPhone, while also introducing a Scam Alert feature that uses on-device machine learning to flag suspicious messages, with $425 million lost to scams on the platform in 2025
WhatsApp is introducing several new features to enhance user experience and safety on its platform. The company is bringing its dedicated parental controls section to the iPhone, making it easier for parents to find and set up managed accounts for their children.
The parental controls section will allow parents to have more control over their child's WhatsApp activity, providing a safer environment for them to communicate with others. This feature is particularly important, given the rising number of scams on the platform. According to the FTC, victims lost $425 million to scams on WhatsApp alone in 2025.
To combat scams, WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new optional Scam Alert feature that uses on-device machine learning to flag suspicious messages. This feature is currently available in a limited beta and will show a warning to the user if a chat seems like a scam. The user can then choose to block the person, report them, or continue the conversation. If the user marks the chat as trusted, the Scam Alert feature will not flag it again.
In addition to these features, WhatsApp is also working on chat themes with animated wallpapers, providing users with more customization options. The company is also testing a custom reaction tray on Android and iOS, which will allow users to express themselves in more ways.
## Why it matters The introduction of these features is significant, given the increasing number of scams on WhatsApp. The platform has been a target for scammers, with the FTC reporting that victims lost $425 million to scams on WhatsApp in 2025. The Scam Alert feature, in particular, has the potential to make a significant impact in reducing the number of scams on the platform. By using on-device machine learning, WhatsApp can provide users with an additional layer of protection, helping to prevent them from falling victim to scams.
## What happens next As these features continue to roll out, users can expect to see improvements in their overall WhatsApp experience. The parental controls section and Scam Alert feature will provide users with more control over their accounts and help to prevent scams. With the company's continued focus on safety and user experience, WhatsApp is likely to remain a popular choice for messaging and communication.
