WhatsApp has safeguards that focus on reducing the number of spam messages received, but it is now introducing automated restrictions that focus on the root of the issue.
Through this new feature, WhatsApp will be able to detect if a user is sending spam messages or appearing like a scammer, which will help avoid victimizing others on the platform.
With this new feature, Meta and WhatsApp are not sitting idly by and waiting for users to receive spam, which may be too late for those who are duped into phishing or hacks.
WhatsApp vs. Spam: Automated Restrictions' New Protection
WhatsApp is now stepping its game up against spam users on the platform, and according to WABetaInfo, it is testing a new feature on the beta that targets the root of the operation.
Its latest systems, as found on WhatsApp beta for Android v.2.24.10.5, can detect people exhibiting spam-like behavior on the app.
WhatsApp does not read messages, but its algorithm detects spammy user behavior and temporarily restricts accounts from creating new conversations.
That being said, these restricted users, as detected by its automated systems, are not yet losing their accounts immediately but are somewhat given a warning to stop their spammy deeds, or a ban will ensue.
Getting Rid of Unwanted Messages From the Source
This new method from WhatsApp will get rid of unwanted spam messages right from the source, helping to avoid further victimizing users with their messages.
The system would identify the red flags associated with spam on WhatsApp, restricting them from further going their way and left unchecked by the platform, instead of waiting for users to block them on their end.
WhatsApp and its Spam Problem
This is not the first rodeo of WhatsApp and the spam issues present in the app, and while there are many layers of protection added by the company, it is still an issue that users face.
For many years, bad actors preyed on unsuspecting individuals who did not know better that some of the messages they receive are spam, one that led to scams and went as far as to steal their identity.
Many scammers are also playing the long game. They pose as employees or individuals and ask for shopping surveys regarding the services of renowned companies.
Through this, they get vital information that could be implicated for users or, straight up, steal their credentials or bank information, with one example being CASE officers from Singapore.
Instant messaging apps are breeding grounds for scammers and spammers, and their attacks are not specific to one platform only but bring their presence to many.
In this case, Meta and WhatsApp want to stop it at the root, with these new automated restrictions helping weed out spammers, prevent them from creating new conversations, and avoid further issues for users.
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