WhatsApp plans to soon add a feature that will allow users to automatically block messages from unknown accounts - according to a report on the WABetaInfo website, which follows developments and innovations in the popular messaging app.
The new feature, which is still under development, will identify messages from accounts that are not in the user's contact list and decide whether to block them based on several criteria, such as the frequency of the messages and whether they contain suspicious content.
Today, WhatsApp uses automated tools behind the scenes to detect and filter malicious actors on the platform while maintaining privacy, including algorithms that detect suspicious behavior and widely circulated messages (ie messages that are sent with high frequency).
However, with the introduction of the new feature, the messaging app will offer users an additional layer of protection and control, and will also help minimize the risk of phishing attempts and malicious content - which are gaining popularity in recent times.
In addition to the new spam blocking feature, WhatsApp is also working on a number of other innovations, including the ability to give likes on friends' statuses, similar to Instagram.
The new feature is currently being tested among beta users on Android, but is expected to be available to all users soon.