WhatsApp takes aim at spam with new lock screen blocking feature،
WhatsApp, one of the world's most popular messaging platforms, has introduced a new feature aimed at combating the persistent problem of spam messages plaguing its user base.
Recently, the Meta-owned app announced a new feature through its official account (via Android Center). This feature allows users to block messages from unknown contacts directly from the lock screen, providing a convenient way to combat spam messages without opening them.
If you see a spam message on your lock screen, long press the notification and you will see options to block the sender here. If you want to report a contact, the app displays a second prompt. Simply tap the “Report Contact” checkbox, then tap “Block” on the pop-up window. This update makes it easier to deal with those annoying messages without having to open the app and navigate through your chats.
WhatsApp already displays a warning under the contact details of any unknown number that messages you. This gives options to add the contact, block them, or report and block them immediately. Users can also proactively block a contact by going to Settings on the home page, then choosing Privacy > Blocked Contacts > Add, then searching for or selecting the contact to block.
This latest Meta update is a positive step forward, especially since you only need a phone number to send a message on WhatsApp. With this feature, users can quickly identify and block unwanted contacts, helping to curb phishing scams that often result in financial losses and compromise of personal data. Such scams have unfortunately become increasingly common on widely used instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
It was definitely time for the big tech giants to step up and tackle this problem. For example, Google recently launched a pilot program testing a real-time app scanner to help protect Android users from financial fraud.
Besides, WhatsApp is planning to introduce cross-platform usage, which could allow users to send messages to other apps such as iMessage, Telegram, Google Messages, Signal, etc.
