Alkateia
Family guides / Invitations and private access

How to prevent anyone from joining a private group

Understand closed groups, invitations, and manual approval. Learn how to organize a digital space for authorized people in Alkateia.

By AlkateiaUpdated September 20, 20263 min read

In this guide
  1. What is a closed group? It is a space where participation depends on access conditions rather than being open to anyone interested. The term can mean different things across services: some only require a link; others require approval. Before sharing information, find out which rules apply.
  2. Private vs. public groups: what is the difference? A public group can be found or accessed by a wide audience, depending on settings. A private group restricts entry or visibility. That does not mean a member cannot copy a message. CERT.br recommends considering the audience and limiting data exposure. (CERT.br)
  3. Why manually approve new members? Approval provides an opportunity to verify that a request comes from the expected person. Links can be forwarded; approval lets you check the name and confirm through a known channel. If administrators automatically approve every request, this step loses part of its value.
  4. How do you create a digital space for authorized people only? Define its purpose, choose administrators, and send invitations individually. Ask participants not to publish them. Review membership when family routines change. Unexpected requests should be checked, not automatically accepted. Protect accounts too, since compromised credentials can affect the group. (CERT.br)
  5. How does Alkateia apply these steps? The person receives an invitation through a QR code, code, or link that expires in 10 minutes. After accepting, they wait for parent, guardian, or administrator approval. There is no public member search, followers, or open groups. One subscription covers up to five members, including the subscriber.
  6. What should you agree on after everyone joins? Explain what information may be shared, how to report important changes, and where to get help. Parents' and guardians' involvement remains necessary for children and teenagers. Entry controls do not replace respect or guarantee that every message is appropriate. See how to create a family group in Alkateia and how invitations work.

Controlling a group requires more than calling it “private.” Decide who sends invitations, how identity is confirmed, and who approves entry. These controls make participation more predictable and prevent a freely distributed link from becoming the only barrier.

Private vs. public groups: what is the difference? A public group can be found or accessed by a wide audience, depending on settings. A private group restricts entry or visibility. That does not mean a member cannot copy a message. CERT.br recommends considering the audience and limiting data exposure. (CERT.br)

How do you create a digital space for authorized people only? Define its purpose, choose administrators, and send invitations individually. Ask participants not to publish them. Review membership when family routines change. Unexpected requests should be checked, not automatically accepted. Protect accounts too, since compromised credentials can affect the group. (CERT.br)

Alkateia screen with a QR code and temporary family invitation code
Visual invitation example. Use a new invitation sent by your family. Tap the image to enlarge.

What should you agree on after everyone joins? Explain what information may be shared, how to report important changes, and where to get help. Parents' and guardians' involvement remains necessary for children and teenagers. Entry controls do not replace respect or guarantee that every message is appropriate. See how to create a family group in Alkateia and how invitations work.

Sources and references

  1. CERT.br — Social Networks Booklet
  2. CERT.br — Privacy Booklet

Sources accessed September 20, 2026. Informational content produced by Alkateia; information about the app describes its own features.