WhatsApp is testing a feature that protects you from unknown spammers

WhatsApp has started rolling out an update to beta users along with a new feature designed to protect users from spam from unknown accounts. Feature trackers have spotted a new feature that automatically protects users from unidentified senders by filtering out messages in certain circumstances. The feature is already available to some testers but must be enabled manually. It will eventually join two other “advanced” security features designed to protect users’ privacy when using the messaging app.

After updating to WhatsApp beta version 2.24.20.16 for Android, users will be able to use a new setting to block messages from certain unidentified accounts (via WABetaInfo). Beta users running the latest version of WhatsApp on their Android smartphones can tap the three-dot menu > set up > privacy > Advanced > Block unknown account information. Gadgets 360 has confirmed that the new toggle feature is now available in the latest beta.

WhatsApp users will soon get another privacy feature
Image source: WABetaInfo

WhatsApp’s description of the new feature says it is designed to protect user accounts and improve device performance. Once enabled, the messaging platform will “block messages from unknown accounts that exceed a certain number.” The influx of spam can negatively affect the performance of user devices, and the new feature appears to be designed to protect users from automated spam.

This feature is currently limited to beta testers, which means users on the stable update channel will have to wait for a wider rollout. With this feature enabled, users will still see messages from unknown accounts within unspecified limits — something WhatsApp is unlikely to disclose in order to stop spammers from circumventing the company’s feature.

The ability to block messages from unknown accounts will join two other advanced privacy features of WhatsApp – protecting the user’s IP address during calls, and disabling link previews to prevent third parties from inferring the user’s IP address. All three features are optional and must be enabled manually by users on their smartphones.