The latest WhatsApp Beta update brings a new and much-needed feature: the ability to block spam messages from unknown numbers. This feature is aimed at improving user privacy and security, helping users manage unsolicited messages more effectively.
The feature specifically targets messages from numbers that are not saved in the user’s contact list. When a message arrives from an unknown number, the user will be prompted with an option to block the number directly or mark the message as spam. This can help users reduce the number of unwanted promotional or phishing messages they receive on the platform.
The new feature provides a streamlined process for blocking or reporting suspicious messages. When an unknown number sends a message, users will see options like “Block” or “Report as Spam” in the chat window. With just a tap, the message is flagged or blocked, preventing further communication from that number.
Spam messaging has been a growing issue for many WhatsApp users, with scammers often using the platform to target individuals with fraudulent schemes, phishing attempts, or unwanted promotional content. By adding this option, WhatsApp is taking another step toward combating the spread of spam, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for its user base.
Users who frequently receive unsolicited messages from businesses or unknown individuals will find this feature particularly helpful. As WhatsApp continues to expand its reach with over two billion users globally, ensuring security and protecting users from spam has become a top priority.
Apart from blocking spam messages, the update also reportedly comes with enhancements to WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption. This ensures that all messages, whether personal or from unknown numbers, remain secure and unreadable by third parties.
Moreover, the new beta update introduces minor tweaks to two-step verification, which strengthens account security. For users who enable two-step verification, this extra layer of protection makes it even harder for someone else to access their account if their phone number gets compromised.
As of now, the new spam-blocking feature is only available to a select group of users in the WhatsApp Beta version. It’s expected to roll out to a broader audience in the coming weeks, as testing progresses and feedback is gathered from beta users.
If this feature proves effective, it could become a game-changer for WhatsApp, making it easier to keep inboxes clean from spam, which has been a long-standing complaint from users. Given WhatsApp’s commitment to user privacy, this update aligns with the platform’s ongoing effort to improve overall security and usability.