New WhatsApp feature will soon let you block messages from unknown numbers

WhatsApp is a great tool when it comes to communication, be it personal or professional. However, one of its noticeable drawbacks allows almost anyone with your contact details (or even username) to text you on the smartphone app.

That might just be set to change as the Meta-owned instant messaging app seems to be testing a feature which will allow users to block messages from unknown users.

WhatsApp to block unknown spam texts: What's there to know?

WhatsApp has prioritised security for its users across various features; one of the features also includes masking IP addresses on WhatsApp calls. That said, the platform has been prey to various phishing and promotional messages, and a user has to typically block a number when they are contacted. But Meta has decided to put an end to this with a new feature that will automatically block messages from unknown numbers.

ALSO READ: How to create custom GIFs using Meta AI on WhatsApp

According to WABetaInfo, the feature is being rolled out in beta and will automatically protect users from being scammed. The feature is largely similar to the platform’s ‘block unknown callers’ feature, but the report mentions how there is a catch. WhatsApp will only block messages after the sender reaches a ‘specific limit’, and it is yet to reveal the said ‘limit’. 

When will the feature be available for everyone?

The feature is currently being tested in beta and is only available to users enrolled in the latest version 2.24.17.24 for Android. WhatsApp, for now, hasn’t mentioned if or when this feature will make its way to the stable version. 

Other features coming to WhatsApp

WhatsApp has also announced other privacy features coming to the smartphone app sometime soon. The company is also gearing up to introduce a feature which will substitute a user’s phone number with their username. This is especially helpful for a time when you don’t want to reveal your contact details to a stranger but also have to initiate communication with them.

WhatsApp is planning to offer three security options; these include PIN, username and phone number. Selecting ‘username’ will mask contact details and only display the name, but the company warns that this is only possible for those who don’t already have your number saved.

Username with PIN option will allow trusted contacts to access your chat. Although helpful, the feature will still have a potential drawback as it will not work with those who have your number saved, even with the PIN option enabled.

ALSO READ: Does WhatsApp notify users of screenshots of status updates and chats?

Apart from these, WhatsApp is also planning to introduce a ‘like’ feature for its Status updates, mirroring Instagram. The primary aim of this is to promote interaction among users with the content that they wish to showcase.

While it might take a bit for these features to be implemented for a larger audience, WhatsApp plans to gradually make them available after adequately testing them with a limited subset of users.