WhatsApp Introduces New Privacy Controls to Reduce Spam Calls

WhatsApp is introducing new functionality to reduce the number of spam calls its users receive. The messaging service has received numerous complaints from users in India, and is taking action to address the issue.
The new privacy controls will allow users to automatically mute incoming calls from unknown numbers. The calls will still appear in the notifications, with the message ‘Unknown blocked number’, and will be visible in the missed calls list. This will allow users to contact the caller at a later date if they wish.

More Privacy Control

The additional privacy control options will give users more insight into the protection options available to them. Users will be able to activate two-factor authentication, decide who can add numbers to groups, and manage who can see their profile picture.

Action in India

WhatsApp’s action follows a surge in spam calls in India, its largest market with 500 million users. The messaging service has already begun blocking these calls using machine learning, and has seen a 50% reduction in spam calls.
Read more: New WhatsApp feature should give chats more privacy