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Blocking unknown numbers on the messaging app could be a big privacy win
WhatsApp makes it really easy for people to message or call you but this new power could be the biggest upgrade on the messaging app.
WhatsApp has become a spam and stalker menace primarily because anyone can message you or even call you just by knowing your phone number. But the messaging could soon give you the power to decide which messages you want to read and which to block. WhatsApp is testing a feature which will let users block messages from strangers or unknown numbers.
WhatsApp Block Unknown Numbers – Why It Could Be Big For Your Safety
WhatsApp testing the feature has been spotted by the reliable WABetaInfo this week. The feature called Block Unknown account messages is being tested on the Android beta version 2.24.17.24 which is still in the development stage so we might be a few months from a possible public release.
The new block feature will be available in Privacy where you have the Advanced section to enable the tool with the help of the toggle button.
WhatsApp claims enabling this feature could somehow improve device performance, which we are not sure of, but you can definitely get better privacy from strangers, especially for women who need this tool on the platform. The other intriguing bit mentioned in the beta version is that the block account feature will work if they exceed a certain volume.
For a secure messaging app like WhatsApp, its openness to message/call has been simple but very easy at the same time. In comparison, Signal is much more aware of the privacy concerns, and doesn’t give people all the access if they get messages from unknown numbers. We are hoping to see the privacy feature on WhatsApp roll out for the public beta version soon.
One feature that is now available to all WhatsApp users is the ability to create custom stickers using Meta AI. They also now have a wider range of stickers and GIF images available through GIPHY within the messaging app.
