WhatsApp is doing something about the spam situation on the texting platform. With new competition emerging from locally developed platforms like Arattai, the Meta-owned service is now wanting to offer an even superior user experience by tackling the spam situation. WhatsApp’s new feature is designed to restrict bulk messaging and curb the persistent problem of spam.
The company is introducing limits on the number of messages that individual users and businesses can send to unknown contacts who have not yet responded.
According to reports, the new system operates on a per-month limit. The new system is yet to be finalised as the company is currently testing various limits in multiple countries over the coming weeks to figure out the optimal balance. A message will only count toward the monthly limit if it is sent to an unknown person or business and does not receive a reply in return.
Once a reply is received, the conversation is considered active and messages will no longer be restricted.
WhatsApp testing new anti-spam features
WhatsApp assures its massive global user base that the average user is not expected to hit this limit. The controls are specifically designed to target those entities — both individuals and high-volume businesses — that engage in ‘mass, unsolicited messaging, which contributes significantly to spam on the platform.’
As part of the testing, users or businesses approaching their established monthly cap will receive a pop-up warning from WhatsApp. This notification will clearly display the remaining number of messages they can send to unknown contacts before being completely blocked from sending any further messages for the rest of the month.
Spam has long been a major concern for the messaging service, given its widespread international adoption. In recent years, WhatsApp has offered several anti-spam measures, including tools to easily block contacts from the lock screen, options for unsubscribing from marketing messages, and limits on bulk messaging imposed on new users.
WhatsApp took care of user experience recently
Prior to this, WhatsApp rolled out a major update focusing on enhanced media and AI-powered customisation. Users now get the ability to share Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android, allowing users to send moments complete with movement and sound. Using Meta AI, users can now create custom chat themes and unique backgrounds for video calls or for photos/videos taken in chats.
Additionally, Android users gained the ability to directly scan, crop, and send documents within the app (a feature already available on iOS), alongside new sticker packs and an improved group search function that lets you find a group by searching for a contact’s name
