WhatsApp working on feature to let users block messages from strangers

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a feature to allow users to block messages from unknown contacts. According to a new report, the Meta-owned chat app will add functionality to entirely block text-based communication from unidentified users, but only for certain circumstances. Already available to select beta testers, the new functionality will work only when manually enabled.

According to WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.20.16 brings a new setting called “Block unknown account messages” under the Advanced section of the Privacy tab. The screenshot shows WhatsApp describing the new functionality as “to protect your account and improve device performance, WhatsApp will block messages from unknown accounts if they exceed a certain volume.” While the message is ambiguous, the chat app is hinting at users who receive multiple messages from unknown senders as it may not only contribute to unsolicited attention but also degrade the device’s performance. The feature will also likely target spam messages from phoney accounts.

The report said the functionality is currently under development and available only to testers, who are enrolled on WhatsApp’s beta programme. Even then not all testers have access and WhatsApp is giving access to a handful of users randomly. The feature will need manual activation to work. While WhatsApp has not officially said anything about the functionality, it is likely to roll it out in the coming days.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp is also working on chat themes to let users personalise their chats with wider options than available currently. The chat app is planning to overhaul the user interface through a default theme picker for chats and chat bubbles and multiple design styles. The upcoming functionality would finally offer the level of personalisation that its modded counterparts have been providing to users for a long time. Similar to how the app lets users choose wallpapers for light and dark modes, the theme picker will support a selection of options for both modes. The theme picker is available as part of the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.20.12.