WhatsApp Beta Introduces Function to Block Messages From Unknown Accounts

WhatsApp has begun rolling out an replace to beta testers together with a brand new function designed to maintain customers secure from undesirable messages despatched from unknown accounts. A function tracker noticed a brand new function that routinely protects customers from unidentified senders, by filtering out messages beneath particular circumstances. The function is already accessible to some testers and have to be manually enabled. It’ll finally be part of two different ‘superior’ security options aimed toward defending consumer privateness whereas utilizing the messaging app.

After updating to WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.20.16, customers can have entry to a brand new setting that blocks messages from some unidentified accounts (through WABetaInfo). Beta testers who’re working the most recent model for Android smartphones can faucet on the three-dot menu > Settings > Privateness > Superior > Block unknown account messages. Devices 360 was in a position to verify that the brand new toggle was accessible on the most recent beta model.

WhatsApp customers will quickly achieve entry to a different privateness function
Photograph Credit score: WABetaInfo

WhatsApp’s description for the brand new function states that it’s designed to guard a consumer’s account and enhance gadget efficiency. As soon as enabled, the messaging platform will “block messages despatched by unknown accounts in the event that they exceed a sure quantity”. An inflow of spam messages would possibly negatively have an effect on the efficiency of a consumer’s gadget, and the brand new function seems to be designed to guard customers from automated spam messages.

This function is at the moment restricted to beta testers, which signifies that customers on the steady replace channel should watch for a wider rollout. When it is enabled, customers will nonetheless see messages from unknown accounts inside an unspecified restrict — WhatsApp is unlikely to reveal this with a view to deter spammers from bypassing the corporate’s function.

The function to dam messages from unknown accounts will be part of two different options that provide superior privateness on WhatsApp — defending a consumer’s IP deal with in calls, and disabling hyperlink previews to stop third events from inferring a consumer’s IP deal with. All three options are choices and have to be manually enabled by a consumer on their smartphone.