WhatsApp has become a haven for spam and stalkers, primarily due to the ease with which anyone can message or call you simply by knowing your phone number. However, the messaging platform may soon give users more control over their inbox, allowing them to decide which messages to read and which to block. WhatsApp is testing a new feature that lets users block messages from strangers or unknown numbers.
This upcoming feature, named ‘Block Unknown Account Messages’, was recently spotted by the reliable source WABetaInfo. It’s currently being tested on the Android beta version 2.24.17.24, which is still in development, meaning it might take a few months before it’s released to the public.
Once available, the block feature will be located under the Privacy settings, within an Advanced section where users can activate it using a toggle button. WhatsApp suggests that enabling this feature could potentially improve device performance, though this claim remains unclear. Nonetheless, the feature promises enhanced privacy, particularly for women who might find this tool essential. Interestingly, the beta version also mentions that the block account feature will activate when message volume from unknown accounts exceeds a certain threshold.
WhatsApp has long been praised for its simplicity, allowing easy messaging and calling. However, this openness has also raised privacy concerns, especially when compared to apps like Signal, which are more cautious about granting access to unknown contacts. We anticipate that this privacy feature will be rolled out in the public beta version soon.
In addition to this, WhatsApp has recently introduced another feature now available to all users: the ability to create custom stickers using Meta AI. Users can also access a broader range of stickers and GIFs through GIPHY within the app.