Blocking spam: WhatsApp tests new feature to protect users

WhatsApp is preparing to introduce another new feature to its messenger. Soon, users can enable a block that will prevent them from being bothered by messages from people not on their contact list. WhatsApp will block these messages in justified cases.

WABetaInfo reports about WhatsApp's upcoming new feature. The feature is already available in the beta version of the messenger on Android. To enable it, simply go to the privacy settings and use the new toggle. Once the protection is enabled, WhatsApp will automatically block messages sent to the user from people not in their contacts as long as they exceed a "certain volume."

Details in this area are not known, and this is likely intentional from a security perspective. As WABetaInfo suggests, the messenger will detect unnatural behaviour, such as many messages in a short period, which may lead to an automatic block of further conversation. This smart protection can help avoid persistent users trying to scam random people or send suspicious job offers (which also often happens).

The message-blocking algorithm is intended to be "smart" enough to allow communication with unknown people who have good intentions and want to contact the user. Beta user testing means that the feature is already nearing completion. We assume that it may reach a stable release of WhatsApp within the next few weeks or months.