Blinkit offers parental controls, hides ‘sensitive items’ on app

Quick commerce platform Blinkit has introduced parental controls on the platform to keep the app experience private for its users, chief executive Albinder Dhindsa announced on X.


ET has taken a look at the latest feature on the Blinkit app, which allows users to hide “sensitive items” from certain product categories like sexual wellness, nicotine products, etc.

The products falling under the sensitive items category do not appear in search results.

The feature provides a controlled browsing experience, making the app safer for younger age groups. Users can hide sensitive items behind a 6-digit PIN and also set up a recovery phone number.

The addition not only keeps order history private from children but also safeguards cases where guests or others might use the device. To ensure privacy and security, the app also notifies users whenever any settings are modified by others.

Blinkit becomes the first quick commerce app in India to introduce parental controls, giving it an edge in a highly competitive marketplace, something its rivals Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, and Flipkart Minutes haven’t offered yet.

The quick commerce market is estimated to expand to $30 billion by 2027-28 from $8.2 billion in 2024-25, as per financial services company BNP Paribas.