WhatsApp introduces a new privacy feature that blocks messages from unknown accounts to reduce spam and improve device performance.
In a bid to protect and secure the privacy of the users, WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new feature that blocks unwanted messages sent from unknown accounts.
According to reports, the messaging platform does so by filtering out messages under specific circumstances. The feature was reportedly spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.17.24, according to reports by WABetaInfo.
The feature is already available to some testers and must be manually enabled. It will eventually join some other safety features designed to protect user’s privacy while using the messaging app.
As the update is only available for Beta testers as of now, Meta aims to roll out the update soon on a larger scale. The official date for making the feature open to the public is yet to be announced.
Beta testers using the latest version for Android smartphones can get the WhatsApp update by through the following steps:
- Click on the three-dot menu (in the right corner in the WhatsApp app)
- Go to the ‘Settings’ option
- Next, tap on the ‘Privacy’ menu
- Tap on the ‘Advanced’ option
- Users will get an option named ‘Block unknown account messages’. Tap on this and the new update is ready
The online messaging app claims that the new update is aimed at protecting the user’s account and at the same time improving device performance. As per an official blog, once enabled, WhatsApp will instantly ‘block messages sent by unknown accounts’.
However, the message will get blocked if they cross ‘ a certain volume’. Sometimes, bulk unknown messages or spam messages can hamper the smooth performance of your device. The new update can help restore that by blocking too many spam or unknown texts.
Furthermore, the new feature also has the potential to protect the user from automated spam messages.
Also Read: WhatsApp Tests Offline File Sharing: AirDrop-Style Feature Coming Soon
The new WhatsApp feature to block messages from unknown accounts will be in addition to two other features that offer advanced privacy on the messaging platform — protecting a user’s IP address in calls, and disabling link previews to prevent third parties from inferring a user’s IP address. Notably, all three features are options and must be manually enabled by a user on their device.
In other updates, WhatsApp has unveiled new ways to personalize stickers on its platform. These include the introduction of searchable GIPHY stickers, a Custom Sticker Maker and other enhancements to boost the sticker experience.
