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WhatsApp Introduces New Privacy Features for Enhanced User Safety
WhatsApp has initiated an update for beta testers that includes a feature tailored to enhance user protection against unsolicited messages from unknown contacts. A feature monitoring service recently flagged this development, indicating that the new mechanism automatically screens messages based on specific criteria. Currently, this feature is available to select beta users and requires manual activation. Ultimately, it will complement two other advanced safety features aimed at bolstering user privacy on the platform.
Following the update to WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.20.16, users gain access to a new option that can block communications from certain unidentified accounts (via WABetaInfo). Those on the beta version can navigate through the app by selecting the three-dot menu, then proceeding to Settings > Privacy > Advanced > Block unknown account messages. Confirmation from Gadgets 360 indicates the availability of this toggle in the newest beta release.
WhatsApp users will soon gain access to another privacy feature
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo
According to WhatsApp’s description, this update aims to safeguard users’ accounts while also optimizing device performance. Once the setting is activated, the app will “block messages sent by unknown accounts if they exceed a certain volume.” This proactive measure is particularly useful in mitigating spam, which could otherwise hinder device functionality. The introduction of this feature appears to be a move against automated messaging that often inundates user inboxes.
Presently, this feature is restricted to beta users, meaning that those using the stable version will have to remain patient for its broader availability. Even when enabled, users may continue to receive messages from unknown contacts, although WhatsApp has not specified a threshold — likely to prevent spammers from circumventing the feature’s protections.
This upcoming capability to block messages from unrecognized accounts will join two other notable privacy enhancements on WhatsApp: the ability to conceal a user’s IP address during calls and the option to disable link previews, which helps prevent external entities from inferring the user’s IP. Each of these features is designed to protect users’ personal information and must be activated individually on their smartphones.
Source
www.gadgets360.com