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Though including a parental passcode doesn't protect kids from all social media risks or iffy content, this app's inclusion of them is helpful. The channels allow subscribers to connect with others including those who are not contacts, via texting and sharing, animated pictures, personal photos, and videos. There is a "Discover" section of the app, allowing participants to "subscribe to channels." Some of these channels include categories like Fantasy & Art, New York Fashion, and Gif Channel. For those not wanting to share their phone number, it's still possible to connect with others using a link. Parents can prevent kids from being added to groups and can limit chats to known contacts and people in the phone book or contact list. In terms of privacy features, parents can create a passcode to lock the settings. And with permission for the device to access the camera, it's possible to send photos, videos, stickers and emojis. Features in chats include being able to send texts with a voice-to-text feature and an option to create a poll to survey other participants. It's possible for up to 30 members to chat simultaneously on the app. There is even a little COVID-19 humor, as filters include wearing face masks and being able to open your mouth and watch as green "germs" fill the screen. While chatting, ICQ includes access to over 90 different filters or face masks, like transforming into a kitty astronaut and many others.
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Users can also create a nickname to use when chatting instead of using their real name. A phone number is required to log into the app, but devices - even iPads without cellular capabilities - are able to connect over WIFI. ICQ NEW: MESSENGER & CHAT is an app that offers a free way for users to text and video chat.
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