NEW YORK, Aug 20: Meta is addressing concerns over spam and phishing on WhatsApp by testing a new feature designed to automatically block messages from unknown numbers. This feature, currently available in the latest beta version (2.24.17.24) for Android, aims to curb the misuse of the platform, which has seen a surge in unwanted messages due to WhatsApp’s ease of connecting with any user via phone number.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, the new feature allows users to manually enable a setting that automatically blocks messages from unknown contacts if they exceed a certain volume. Initially, users will receive the first few messages from an unknown number. If these messages continue to be spam, the app will automatically block the sender.

This update builds on existing safety features that WhatsApp offers, such as automatically silencing calls from unknown numbers. The new message-blocking feature is expected to not only reduce spam but also improve smartphone performance by filtering out unwanted communications.

In addition to this, WhatsApp already includes options for users to report spam messages from unknown numbers or businesses and has systems in place to flag and filter out potentially malicious accounts. The upcoming feature aims to enhance these protections further, giving users greater control over their messaging experience.