WhatsApp Introduces Feature to Automatically Silence Calls from Unknown Numbers

Introduction: WhatsApp has responded to user complaints about increasing spam calls by introducing a new feature that automatically silences calls from unknown numbers. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of WhatsApp’s parent company Facebook, announced the feature along with a new privacy checkup option. With this update, users can enjoy enhanced privacy and control over their incoming calls.

The Rise of Spam Calls in India: As WhatsApp’s largest market with over 500 million users, India has experienced a surge in spam calls in recent months. Many customers have expressed frustration over the influx of unwanted calls, prompting WhatsApp to take action and address the issue.

The Call Silencing Feature: Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the call silencing feature, which enables users to automatically silence incoming calls from unknown contacts. By navigating to the Settings > Privacy > Calls section, users can activate the “Silence unknown caller” option. While calls from unknown numbers will be silenced, they will still appear in notifications and the call list within the app. This allows users to review and identify any important calls from unfamiliar numbers.

When a call from an unknown number is received, the phone will display the number accompanied by the message “silenced unknown number.” This feature provides users with added privacy and reduces interruptions from unwanted calls.

Privacy Checkup for Enhanced Control: In addition to the call silencing feature, WhatsApp has introduced a new privacy checkup option. This feature, accessible within the Privacy section, guides users through various steps to familiarize them with different privacy controls. These include options such as “Choose who can contact you,” “Control your personal info,” “Add more privacy to your chats,” and “Add more protection to your account.”

Through the privacy checkup, users can modify settings like enabling two-factor authentication, selecting who can add them to groups, setting a default timer for disappearing messages, and controlling the visibility of their profile picture. This comprehensive process empowers users to customize their privacy settings according to their preferences.

WhatsApp’s Efforts to Combat Spam Calls: Last month, WhatsApp implemented back-end updates to reduce the frequency of spam calls in India. Leveraging machine learning-based detection capabilities, the company anticipated a 50% decrease in such calls. These ongoing efforts underscore WhatsApp’s commitment to enhancing the user experience and addressing concerns related to spam and privacy.

Conclusion: WhatsApp’s introduction of the call silencing feature represents a significant step toward mitigating the nuisance of spam calls. By enabling users to automatically silence calls from unknown numbers, WhatsApp aims to provide greater privacy and control. The accompanying privacy checkup empowers users to customize their privacy settings and ensure a safer and more secure messaging experience. As WhatsApp continues to prioritize user satisfaction, these updates demonstrate the company’s commitment to improving its services and addressing the evolving needs of its vast user base, particularly in India.