Facebook is preparing to launch a new teen messaging app that will seemingly allow parents to monitor who their children are in contact with, and will be closed to strangers perusing the Internet.
In an effort to compete with applications popular with today’s youth, such as Snapchat, Facebook is currently developing a new mobile app called “Talk.” It is presently unknown if this is the actual or code name for the messaging app but it contains references to some features that hint it could become popular among the youth.
According to a new report from The Information (via Engadget), “Code inside the main Facebook app points to an unreleased messaging app aimed at young teens called ‘Talk.'” Perhaps most intriguing about the alleged project is its nod towards parents. “The code reveals signs of new parental controls that would set the app apart from Facebook’s existing Messenger app,” The Information continues.
According to the report, code was discovered inside of the Facebook app that references the unreleased application. In the code it mentions, “Talk is a messaging app where you fully control the contacts.”
Another comment in the code reads, “Kids love using the creative tools in ‘Talk’ to play games and share fun masks with family and friends.” There is also reference in the code that mentions how kids will use Messenger to talk to their parents.
It seems as though “Talk” will require users to be at least 13 years old, but they won’t have to have a Facebook profile to use the app. Also, teens who opt to use “Talk” to communicate won’t be publicly searchable, which will certainly soothe parents’ fears about their children’s otherwise easily accessible online personas.
While parental controls are likely to scare off many older teens, the service may prove attractive to parents with younger teens who are worried about their inability to monitor what they get up to online.
According to the report, Facebook has not commented on any new service when asked about Talk.
