WhatsApp Beta Launches New Feature to Block Messages from Unknown Accounts.

WhatsApp has started rolling out an update to beta testers that includes a new feature aimed at protecting users from unwanted messages from unknown accounts. A feature tracker has identified an automatic protection mechanism that filters messages from unidentified senders under certain conditions. This feature is currently available to some testers but needs to be manually activated. It will eventually complement two other advanced safety features designed to enhance user privacy within the messaging app.

After updating to WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.20.16, users can access a new setting to block messages from specific unidentified accounts (according to WABetaInfo). Beta testers using the latest version on Android devices can enable this feature by navigating to the three-dot menu > Settings > Privacy > Advanced > Block unknown account messages. Gadgets 360 has confirmed that this new toggle is present in the latest beta version.

WhatsApp describes the new feature as a tool to enhance account protection and improve device performance. Once activated, the messaging platform will "block messages from unknown accounts if they exceed a certain volume." An influx of spam messages can negatively impact device performance, so this feature aims to shield users from automated spam.

Currently, this feature is available only to beta testers, meaning those on the stable update channel will need to wait for a broader rollout. When activated, users will still receive messages from unknown accounts up to an unspecified limit—likely kept undisclosed by WhatsApp to prevent spammers from circumventing the feature.

The feature to block messages from unknown accounts will be added to two existing privacy options on WhatsApp: safeguarding a user's IP address during calls and disabling link previews to prevent third parties from deducing a user's IP address. All three features are optional and must be manually activated by the user on their smartphone.