Highlights
- WhatsApp is testing a feature to block messages from unknown accounts.
- The feature is in beta and available to a limited group on WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.20.16.
- Users can activate this feature in Privacy Settings under the Advanced tab.
- It blocks unknown accounts only if they exceed a certain volume of messages.
Annoyed with random messages on WhatsApp? Well, since businesses have started using WhatsApp for lead generation or even for sharing marketing messages, the number of unknown accounts infiltrating your WhatsApp inbox has drastically increased.
We previously reported that WhatsApp was working on a feature that would allow you to prevent unknown accounts from sending messages. It is now being reported that the instant messaging platform is finally testing this feature.
As per a recent Wabetainfo report, WhatsApp is testing a new security feature that will allow users to block messages from unknown accounts. This aims to reduce unwanted spam.
After being in development for a while, the feature is now reportedly available for beta testers on Android.
According to WABetaInfo, users would be able to access this feature in the Privacy Settings under the Advanced tab. It is currently controlled by a simple on/off toggle.
Users can activate it if required to prevent unsolicited messages from reaching their inbox.
However, the report suggests that the new feature is not a simple block feature.
As reported, WhatsApp will only block unknown accounts if they exceed a certain volume of messages instead of blocking all messages from unknown senders.
WhatsApp basically will allow important messages from business accounts or other unknown contacts to still reach your Inbox. Once the message volume returns to normal, the block will be lifted.
The feature as per reports is still in beta. It is also suggested that the final version of the feature when rolled out may have some differences.
Android Beta users can test it on WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.20.16. However, it is only available to a limited group at the moment.
WhatsApp will most likely expand access to this feature in the coming weeks.
If you are interested in trying the feature, you can simply enroll in the beta through the Google Play Beta Program.
FAQs
What is the new security feature WhatsApp is testing?
WhatsApp is testing a feature that allows users to block messages from unknown accounts to reduce spam. This feature is currently available for beta testers on Android.
How does the new WhatsApp blocking feature work?
Users can activate this feature in the Privacy Settings under the Advanced tab. It blocks unknown accounts only if they exceed a certain volume of messages, allowing important messages from business accounts or other unknown contacts to still reach the inbox.
How can I access and test this new feature?
The feature is in beta and available to a limited group on WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.20.16. WhatsApp plans to expand access in the coming weeks. Interested users can enrol in the beta through the Google Play Beta Program.
How to use WhatsApp block feature?
Open WhatsApp
– Click on the three-dot menu
– Tap on Settings
– Click on Privacy
– Scroll down to Advanced and tap on it
– You will see the “Block Unknown Messages” tab with a toggle button
Does WhatsApp’s new feature block messages from all unknown accounts?
The report states that this feature does not block all unknown messages when it is turned on.
It specifically targets bot or spam accounts that are sending an unusually large number of messages in a short period.
This will also potentially protect your smartphone’s performance by avoiding spam overload and allow you to continue receiving important messages from unknown contacts.
What are other WhatsApp features for enhanced privacy?
WhatsApp had introduced two other privacy features, including protecting a user’s IP address in calls and disabling link previews to prevent third parties from inferring a user’s IP address.
A user needs to manually enable this option, as these are not enabled by default with a new installation.
Read more: WhatsApp introduces new username feature with PIN support to enhance privacy
Read more: Upcoming WhatsApp feature to auto-block spam messages from unknown accounts
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