The Californian messaging service is constantly introducing new features. For example, a new setting has recently been added that allows users to save storage space on their phones. WhatsApp’s design is also set to get a makeover soon. The company’s latest idea is to limit the number of messages that can be sent. While this may sound like a disadvantage for all users, it is actually intended to improve their security.
A limit on messages without a reply
The messenger service WhatsApp, which belongs to the Meta Group, is currently planning a new measure to curb unwanted messages. The portal TechCrunch reports that the company wants to limit the number of messages that can be sent to unknown people without receiving a reply. This affects private users and business accounts. According to TechCrunch, there will be a monthly quota to which all messages that have not received a reply will be counted. However, it is not yet clear how high this limit will be. WhatsApp is currently testing various upper limits and has informed TechCrunch that the new feature will be tested in several countries in the coming weeks.
Protection against spam
When a company or private individual is about to reach the limit, the app displays a warning to users. This shows how many messages can still be sent before a complete sending ban takes effect, reports Focus online. This is to prevent users from being suddenly blocked without first receiving feedback. However, the average user will not usually reach the message limit, it says. The new feature is primarily aimed at individuals and companies that send automated messages or mass spam messages. That’s why it’s also very important to never reply to spam messages. As soon as a reply is sent, the message no longer counts toward the limit, making it easier for fraudsters to send even more messages.
Measures already taken
WhatsApp has already attempted to combat the increasing amount of spam on its platform in the past. In July 2024, the company began testing restrictions on the number of marketing messages a company can send to individuals per month. In the same year, an option was also introduced that allows users to completely disable advertising messages from individual companies. WhatsApp has also introduced a feature that allows users to block other users directly from the lock screen. Other countermeasures include leaving unwanted groups and previous restrictions on mass messages from new accounts, according to Focus online.
