WhatsApp Introduces Feature For Users To Report People Sending Unwanted Messages: "We Won't Tell Them"

• WhatsApp users can now report those who send messages that they find inappropriate or likely to be harmful
• The Meta-owned communications platform disclosed the users who have been reported would not be informed
• In May, WhatsApp announced new features, including one that allows its subscribers to edit messages sent within fifteen minutes

Popular messaging app WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that allows users to report unwanted messages.

Phishing links

The latest addition allows users to flag spam, inappropriate or abusive messages.

The feature was designed to protect the privacy and security of its users amidst phishing links that have seen many fall prey to online scams.

"We catch and remove most spam and scam accounts before they can even reach you or before anyone reports them," the messaging platform wrote.

Another recently added feature lets subscribers leave groups silently.

"We love our group chats, but some are not forever. We’re making it possible to exit a group privately without making it a big deal to everyone. Now, instead of notifying the full group when you are leaving, only the admins will be notified," WhatsApp announced.

Kenyans have been hit by a surge in cases of cyber-attacks that have led to huge financial losses for victims.

Users can easily select the unwanted messages and a pop-up menu lets them select the report button.

online scams

In the recent past, promo links have been doing rounds on social media, purporting to offer quick cash to users who follow the phishing links provided in the text.

Many people who have fallen to the links have either lost their social media accounts or have had their accounts used to solicit funds falsely.

Some of the scams include selling betting bets, increasing Fuliza limits and WhatsApp money requests.

WhatsApp allows users to hide numbers

WhatsApp announced in July the platform had unveiled a new phone privacy feature allowing users to hide their numbers in a community.

The instant messaging platform said users can activate the feature by opening the app, clicking settings and then privacy.

Users will subsequently select ‘start checkup’ and strengthen the security of their messages, calls, and personal information.

"More control, more privacy. Go to privacy checkup by tapping into settings - privacy on WhatsApp," it stated.