WhatsApp has begun rolling out an replace to beta testers together with a brand new function designed to maintain customers secure from undesirable messages despatched from unknown accounts. A function tracker noticed a brand new function that mechanically protects customers from unidentified senders, by filtering out messages beneath particular circumstances. The function is already out there to some testers and should be manually enabled. It’ll ultimately be part of two different ‘superior’ security options aimed toward defending consumer privateness whereas utilizing the messaging app.

After updating to WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.20.16, customers could have entry to a brand new setting that blocks messages from some unidentified accounts (via WABetaInfo). Beta testers who’re operating the most recent model for Android smartphones can faucet on the three-dot menu > Settings > Privateness > Superior > Block unknown account messages. Devices 360 was in a position to verify that the brand new toggle was out there on the most recent beta model.

WhatsApp customers will quickly acquire entry to a different privateness function
Picture Credit score: WABetaInfo

WhatsApp’s description for the brand new function states that it’s designed to guard a consumer’s account and enhance system efficiency. As soon as enabled, the messaging platform will “block messages despatched by unknown accounts in the event that they exceed a sure quantity”. An inflow of spam messages may negatively have an effect on the efficiency of a consumer’s system, and the brand new function seems to be designed to guard customers from automated spam messages.

This function is at present restricted to beta testers, which implies that customers on the secure replace channel should look ahead to a wider rollout. When it is enabled, customers will nonetheless see messages from unknown accounts inside an unspecified restrict — WhatsApp is unlikely to reveal this with a view to deter spammers from bypassing the corporate’s function.

The function to dam messages from unknown accounts will be part of two different options that supply superior privateness on WhatsApp — defending a consumer’s IP tackle in calls, and disabling hyperlink previews to forestall third events from inferring a consumer’s IP tackle. All three options are choices and should be manually enabled by a consumer on their smartphone.