SPAM is a problem on WhatsApp. For some time now it has become relatively common for some person from Nigeria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, India or Sierra Leone to write us “Hi” and then immediately offer us to make some easy money by ‘liking’ a video. Among other things, YouTube. It is becoming more and more frequent and now we have learned that WhatsApp is working on a function that will stop it.

Seen in Beta. This account restriction functionality has been detected in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android (version 2.24.10.5). The information comes from famous leaker WaBetaInfo, which predicts what will happen in the future by analyzing WhatsApp APK files, and thanks to this website we can get an idea of ​​how it will work.

These screenshots show how the automatic account restriction system will work | Image: WaBetaInfo

“Hey, stop it!” Apparently, WhatsApp is working on a temporary and automatic account blocking system. We don’t know exactly what tools the app uses to detect malicious behavior (because note that WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption), but screenshots show the system is based on recent account activity. According to the pop-up that will appear when an account is restricted:

“Recent activity on your account may be a sign of SPAM or automated or bulk messaging.”

Total congestion? Not on the contrary. WaBetaInfo explains that this is a type of enforcement in which the restricted user cannot start new chats for a period of time, but can continue to receive messages from existing chats and groups. This is designed not to interrupt interpersonal communication.

The thing is, the numbers used to SPAM are normally used for that, i.e. SPAM, not for interpersonal communication. Moreover, these are just throwaway numbers. Therefore, this function is intended to be a slap on the wrist to users who cross the line rather than eliminating SPAM from the platform altogether.

Deterrence. In any case, the purpose of this new function is to act as a deterrent measure for SPAM accounts (which often lead to some form of fraud). They can initiate X number of conversations, but the system will eventually throttle the account, making the system more expensive and complicated to maintain. Regardless, since this function is still in development and we don’t know when it will arrive, we will have to wait to find out its effectiveness.

Image | Xataka

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