WhatsApp is introducing a new feature aimed at safeguarding users from unwanted calls within its messaging platform. The app, owned by Meta, will offer a simple toggle setting that allows users to silence calls from spam and nuisance callers. These calls typically originate from numbers that are not saved in a user’s contact list. And the feature is designed to prevent disturbances from unknown callers. Users who do not activate this setting will have their phones ring when any WhatsApp user. Even those not on their contact list, call them via the app.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Tuesday that WhatsApp users now can silence incoming calls from unknown contacts. This suggests that the feature, which was previously spotted in development, has started rolling out to all users. Gadgets 360 confirmed the availability of this setting on the latest stable versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS.
Upon enabling the feature, users will no longer be bothered by calls from unknown contacts. But the messaging app will still display the call in the notification area and within the app. This ensures that users don’t miss calls from unfamiliar individuals while reducing unwanted disturbances by preventing the phone from ringing.
For Android users, enabling the feature involves tapping the three-dot menu, selecting Settings > Privacy > Calls, and toggling the “Silence unknown callers” option within the app. Similarly, iPhone owners can access the feature by tapping the gear icon in WhatsApp to open the settings menu, then selecting Privacy > Calls, and toggling the “Silence Unknown Callers” option.
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The introduction of this feature follows reports from several users in India and other regions about receiving spam calls from unknown numbers. Users took to Twitter to express their concerns, stating that they were receiving calls from unknown numbers in countries. Such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. In response, Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced that the IT Ministry would issue a notice to WhatsApp.
WhatsApp previously stated that it was enhancing its spam detection systems. Which rely on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to reduce scam and spam calls by at least 50 percent. This new feature aims to alleviate the inconvenience caused by unwanted calls on the messaging platform.
