Image Credits - essanews
Advertisement
WhatsApp, one of the most widely used messaging platforms globally, is taking a major step toward combating spam by introducing a new feature that helps users block message floods from unknown senders. The app has long been a favorite target for spammers and unwanted messages, as anyone who has a user’s phone number can send a message, leading to privacy concerns. This latest move looks to offer users more control over their inboxes and minimize disruptions from unknown contacts.
The new feature is currently being tested by beta users on the latest WhatsApp beta version, 2.24.20.16, available on the Google Play Store for Android. According to reports, the feature focuses on blocking excessive messages sent by unknown accounts, addressing the issue of message spam effectively. WhatsApp’s goal is to limit the amount of unwanted content users receive while protecting them from potentially harmful messages.
The feature is fairly simple to activate for those using the beta version. Users can access it through the following path: tap the three-dot menu, select Settings, go to Privacy, choose Advanced, and then toggle the option to block messages from unknown accounts. Once activated, the feature automatically blocks unknown senders if their message count exceeds a certain limit. Although the specific number of messages required to trigger the block isn’t clear, this functionality aims to ensure that spam is dealt with before it can overwhelm the user.
Unlike traditional spam blockers, WhatsApp’s approach allows a certain level of flexibility. Messages from unknown contacts are only blocked if they flood the inbox in a short span, allowing room for legitimate messages from unknown senders, like businesses or important contacts. This fine-tuned control still lets users receive promotional content or important messages without completely shutting off communication.
WhatsApp has also paired this new auto-blocking feature with its earlier privacy improvements, such as the ability to block spam directly from the lock screen. Despite these advancements, some critics argue that WhatsApp’s handling of spam is still more relaxed compared to its competitors, like Signal, which offers a stricter approach to privacy and message blocking.
This feature is likely to be a welcomed addition, especially for users who often receive spam or irrelevant messages. WhatsApp’s vast user base has long sought better tools for managing unwanted communication, and this move signals the platform’s effort to enhance user experience and security. However, it remains to be seen how effective the auto-blocking tool will be in its final release, as the exact thresholds for spam detection and blocking are still unknown. Users who want to avoid spam may have to continue relying on multiple layers of control until the feature is officially rolled out beyond beta.