In an effort to combat the rising issue of spam calls and protect users’ privacy, WhatsApp, the popular messaging service owned by Meta, has introduced a new feature called “Silence Unknown Callers.” The feature enables users to automatically silence incoming calls from unknown contacts, effectively screening out spam, scams and calls from unfamiliar individuals. While the calls will not ring on users’ phones, they will still be visible in their call lists, giving users control and visibility over their incoming calls.
Addressing the Spam Call Crisis
The introduction of the Silence Unknown Callers feature comes as a response to a recent surge in spam calls reported by WhatsApp users in India, particularly those originating from international numbers. Many users took to Twitter to express their frustration with receiving a large volume of spam calls, often with country codes belonging to countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. These spam calls ranged from video calls to fraudulent schemes, such as fake job offers or enticing money-related propositions.
Taking Action and Enhancing Protection
In light of the spam call crisis, the Indian government engaged with WhatsApp, urging the platform to address the issue. As a result, WhatsApp agreed to take action by deregistering mobile numbers used for fraudulent activities, aiming to curb the spread of spam calls. Additionally, the company announced that it is investing in its artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems to significantly reduce such incidents, with the goal of reducing the current spam call rate by at least 50%.
Introducing Silence Unknown Callers
The Silence Unknown Callers feature has been designed to provide WhatsApp users with increased privacy, control, and protection against unwanted spam calls. By automatically silencing calls from unknown contacts, users can avoid interacting with suspicious or unfamiliar numbers, minimizing disruptions and potential risks associated with spam calls. This feature aims to give users more peace of mind and a more enjoyable calling experience.
Enhancing User Privacy with Privacy Checkup
In addition to the Silence Unknown Callers feature, WhatsApp has also introduced a “Privacy Checkup” feature. This feature serves as a guide for users to navigate through crucial privacy settings and ensure that they are aware of the available protection options on the platform. By empowering users to make informed choices about their privacy, WhatsApp aims to enhance the overall user experience and strengthen its commitment to user privacy and data security.
How to Activate Silence Unknown Callers
To activate the Silence Unknown Callers feature, iPhone users can follow these steps:
- Open the WhatsApp application.
- Tap on the settings option located at the bottom right-hand side.
- Select the “Privacy” option.
- Choose the “Calls” option.
- Swipe the “Silence Unknown Callers” toggle to enable the feature.
Android users can activate the feature by following these steps:
- Open the WhatsApp application.
- Tap on the three dots located at the top right-hand corner.
- Select the settings option from the pop-up menu.
- Choose the “Privacy” option.
- Select the “Calls” option.
- Swipe the “Silence Unknown Callers” toggle to enable the feature.
WhatsApp’s Commitment to User Experience
With its extensive user base of nearly 500 million users in India, WhatsApp plays a significant role in the country’s messaging landscape. The introduction of features like Silence Unknown Callers demonstrates WhatsApp’s commitment to addressing user concerns and continuously improving its platform. By providing users with increased privacy, control, and protection against unwanted spam calls, WhatsApp solidifies its position as a leading messaging platform in the industry.
In conclusion, WhatsApp’s introduction of the Silence Unknown Callers feature is a significant step towards tackling the spam call crisis and enhancing user privacy. With the added Privacy Checkup feature, users have the necessary tools to navigate crucial privacy settings and ensure their protection. By empowering users and taking proactive measures, WhatsApp aims to provide a safer and more enjoyable messaging experience for its vast user base.
