WhatsApp Gets New Feature to Block Spam

Meta is committed to enhancing the security of WhatsApp. To achieve this, the instant messenger will integrate a filter to prevent you from receiving unwanted messages from strangers.

WhatsApp continues to add new security features to maintain user trust. Fully encrypted, the instant messaging service already offers many options to ensure the confidentiality of communications, such as ephemeral messages, the ability to block screenshots for certain messages, ephemeral voice messages, Chat Lock mode (which allows you to hide and lock access to specific conversations), hidden online presence, and a mute function to automatically filter unknown numbers. It even includes a contextual card to provide essential information about the group creator (see our article).

Now, Meta is tackling the management of unwanted messages, which can include dangerous scams. In the beta version 2.24.17.24 of the app on Android, Meta is working on allowing users to block messages from unknown contacts. You'll need to go to the settings to activate this option.

Spam on WhatsApp: Better Manage Messages from Strangers

This new feature, currently under development, addresses two issues at once. WhatsApp already uses automated tools to detect and filter malicious actors on the platform while preserving privacy. These tools include algorithms that identify suspicious behavior and bulk messages. With this new option enabled, WhatsApp will automatically block messages from unknown accounts, protecting users from unwanted or potentially dangerous communications.

To activate it, go to Settings > Privacy > Advanced Settings. Note that the automatic blocking will only apply to messages "exceeding a certain volume," with no further details provided. Additionally, this feature is designed to improve device performance by reducing the influx of spam and unwanted messages that can overload the app. Accounts that flood users with a high volume of messages in a short period can overwhelm the app and negatively impact device performance. By enabling the ability to block messages from unknown accounts, this feature will significantly reduce the amount of data the instant messenger needs to process.

Since this feature is not yet available to testers, it may not be released immediately to the general public. However, it will offer improved management and security by allowing users to filter out spam more effectively.