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WHATSAPP is attempting to stamp out pesky spam messages with a new feature that blocks specific unknown numbers.

The Meta-owned messenger has a whopping two billion users worldwide, making it a well populated pool for phishing attacks and spam scams.

While it can open the door to all kinds of scams, receiving a high volume of messages in a short period can overwhelm the app itself
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While it can open the door to all kinds of scams, receiving a high volume of messages in a short period can overwhelm the app itselfCredit: Getty

That's why the app has to make a big effort to roll out spam-catching features.

WhatsApp is now targeting numbers who are sending messages that exceed a certain volume.

The messenger currently uses automated tools to detect and filter out malicious actors.

This includes clever algorithms that can spot suspicious behavior and bulk messaging.  

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But a new feature, which is currently under development, will block spammers when their messages exceed a certain volume, according to WABetaInfo.

This offers WhatsApp users an extra layer of protection against scammers.

In the Advanced section of Settings, WhatsApp is set to introduce a toggle titled 'Block unknown account messages,' a leaked image from WABetaInfo revealed.

The feature will clampdown on accounts that send a high number of messages to unknown numbers.

While it can open the door to all kinds of scams, receiving a high volume of messages in a short period can overwhelm the app itself.

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In turn, this can negatively impact the performance of your iPhone or Android.

When the feature is switched on, it will significantly reduce the amount of data the app needs to process - which can save both your data and your battery.

WhatsApp – a quick history

Here's what you need to know...

  • WhatsApp was created in 2009 by computer programmers Brian Acton and Jan Koum, former employees of Yahoo.
  • It’s one of the most popular messaging services in the world
  • Koum came up with the name WhatsApp because it sounded like “what’s up”
  • After a number of tweaks the app was released with a messaging component in June 2009, with 250,000 active users
  • It was originally free but switched to a paid service to avoid growing too fast. Then in 2016, it became free again for all users
  • Facebook bought WhatsApp Inc in February 2014 for $19.3 billion / £14.64 billion
  • The app is particularly popular because all messages are encrypted during transit, shutting out snoopers
  • As of 2024, WhatsApp has over 2.78 billion monthly users globally
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