WhatsApp is the top messaging platform we used in 2024. It became the primary tool for communication, like iMessage around the globe.
WhatsApp to restrict Spammy Accounts
To fight with fake account issue, WhatsApp will soon restrict users from engaging in a new chat for abusive or spam-like behavior.
This news comes from WABetaInfo, who discovered that the platform is experimenting with a feature to restrict the user account from initiating a new chat in the latest WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.24.10.5 update. This restriction will last for an undisclosed time, serving as a penalty for certain violations within the app. You can see from the screenshot, starting a new conversation will show this pop-up message stating “Your account is restricted right now”.
As to how WhatsApp detects these activities, WABetaInfo detailed that the app uses automatic tools for detecting spam-like behavior, automated/bulk messaging, or other activities that breach their terms of service. The good news here is that these tools cannot read your messages confirming that your privacy is not at stake. Instead, they scan patterns to detect suspicious activities.
In the current climate where elections are taking place in the most influential regions of the world, a feature like this is much appreciated.
