Phones ringing from calls from unknown callers will soon become a thing of the past as far as WhatsApp is concerned.
The company recently announced it is rolling out new privacy features that would check users' privacy and silence calls from people not included in a user's contacts.
WhatsApp users should have the update containing these privacy features ready for download as of press time.
WhatsApp New Privacy Features Details
WhatsApp mentioned in a blog post that its latest update contains two new privacy features that would improve the app's ability to protect users' privacy: Silence Unknown Callers and Privacy Checkup.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg first announced the Silence Unknown Callers feature WhatsApp is adding to its app, saying that WhatsApp can now automatically silence incoming calls from unknown contacts on WhatsApp for even more privacy and control. WhatsApp's post expands on Zuckerberg's statement - it is designed to give users more privacy and control of incoming calls and help them automatically screen out spam, scams, and calls from unknown people for increased protection.
However, while these calls will not ring on a user's phone, they will be visible in their call list, allowing them to determine if the caller or call was important later.
Tech Crunch mentioned that users can toggle this feature by going to the app's "Settings" menu and then tapping on "Privacy" and Calls." Afterward, they should select the "Silence unknown caller" option to switch the feature however they wish.
When switched on, WhatsApp users will notice that their phone will show them the number of the person who called along with the message "silenced unknown number" whenever an unknown caller gets automatically silenced.
Meanwhile, its Privacy Checkup, WhatsApp's other new feature, is a step-by-step feature that helps guarantee its users know about the app's privacy protections. It aims to guide users through important privacy settings to help them choose the appropriate protection level for their account and number in one place.
Users wishing to update or determine the account's privacy protection level are advised to select "Start Checkup" in WhatsApp's Privacy Settings, which will navigate them through multiple privacy layers that strengthen the security of their messages, calls, and personal information.
"Securing your private communication is important because we know people need a safe place to communicate," WhatsApp said. "Starting this week, we're encouraging people to check in with one another securely via a private message so friends and loved ones know they have a safe space to open up."
WhatsApp's Later Features
WhatsApp is a busybody when it comes to developing and releasing new features to improve the app. You may recall the company releasing the ability to edit recently sent messages so users have the chance to correct typos to avoid confusing people with their mistakes.
It also rolled out a feature it calls Chat Lock that allows the app to provide biometric locks for private "extra special" chats and three new security features that adds extra layers of privacy for users to enjoy while using the app.
WhatsApp is poised to release some features it is currently beta testing, though it is unclear when it will roll out these features.
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