WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature designed to protect users from potentially harmful messages sent by unknown accounts.
According to details uncovered by a feature tracker, this upcoming feature will allow users to block messages from unknown senders.
This could not only enhance the security of users’ accounts but also help improve device performance by preventing certain unwanted messages from affecting the app.
The feature was discovered in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android (version 2.24.17.24), where a new option called “Block unknown account messages” was spotted in the Privacy > Advanced settings menu.
Though still in development, this feature appears to be aimed at blocking messages from unknown accounts that exceed a certain volume, ensuring that the user’s account remains secure without negatively impacting the app’s performance.
However, some messages from unknown senders may still be allowed through even when the feature is enabled.
This move by WhatsApp contrasts with Signal, which already restricts messages from unknown accounts by default, offering users the option to Accept, Block, or Report these messages.
On Signal, senders are not notified when their messages are read unless the recipient accepts the conversation, preventing unwanted contacts from knowing their messages have been seen.
In addition to this security feature, WhatsApp is also testing a new “like” reaction for status updates, similar to the reactions available on Instagram and Facebook.
Users in the WhatsApp beta program (version 2.24.17.21) can now see a heart icon at the bottom right of the screen, next to the reply bar, allowing them to quickly react to a status update.
This feature is expected to roll out gradually and will be available on both iOS and Android versions of WhatsApp. Users will also be able to see who has reacted to their status updates, similar to how Instagram displays likes on stories.
This new set of features highlights WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience while improving privacy and security.
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