WhatsApp can now silence calls from unknown numbers

WhatsApp’s newest function can routinely mute incoming calls in the event that they’re from an unknown quantity, the service introduced at present. The setting is offered by going into WhatsApp’s settings, hitting “Privateness,” deciding on “Calls,” and turning on the “Silence Unknown Callers” toggle. WhatsApp says the function will assist “display screen out spam, scams, and calls from unknown individuals for elevated safety.”

When enabled, the function silences all indicators of incoming calls from unknown numbers together with each sound and visible alerts within the app. Nonetheless, silenced calls will nonetheless seem in your current calls listing with a “silenced unknown caller” notice subsequent to them, in case you wish to name again.

The addition of the function comes after studies of an uptick in spam calls, significantly affecting Indian customers. A month in the past, TechCrunch reported that WhatsApp had launched a brand new enforcement system that used machine studying to scale back the quantity of spam calls by a claimed 50 p.c. Now, with the brand new silencing function within the app, customers can try to silence any spam calls not caught by the service’s computerized filters.

Along with the silencing function, WhatsApp says it’s additionally including a brand new “Privateness Checkup” function that’s designed to tell customers in regards to the privateness and safety choices WhatsApp gives, step-by-step. The checkup covers a number of classes, together with letting customers select who can contact them, and including further safety to their account akin to two-step verification or requiring biometric authentication to open the app.