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WhatsApp has started rolling out an update to beta testers with a new feature designed to protect its users from unwanted messages sent from unknown accounts. A feature tracker has spotted a new feature that automatically protects users from unknown message senders by filtering messages in several situations. The feature is already available to some testers and can be enabled manually. It will join two other advanced safety features that aim to protect users' privacy while using the messaging app.

After updating WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.20.16, users will have access to a new setting that blocks messages from certain unknown accounts (via WABetaInfo). Beta testers who are using the latest version for Android smartphones need to tap the three-dot menu > Settings > Privacy > Advanced > Block Unknown Account Messages. Gadgets 360 has confirmed that the new toggle was available in the latest beta version.

WhatsApp's description of the new feature says that it is designed to improve user account security and device performance. Once enabled, the messaging platform will "block messages sent by unknown accounts if they exceed a certain amount." Spam messages can lead to poor device performance. In such a situation, the new feature seems to be designed to protect users from automatic spam messages.

The feature is currently limited to beta testers, which means users on the stable update channel will have to wait for a wider rollout. When it is enabled, users will still see messages from unknown accounts within a limit, WhatsApp will not reveal it to prevent spammers from bypassing the company's feature.

This feature of blocking messages from unknown accounts will join two other features that provide advanced privacy on WhatsApp, including securing users' IP addresses in calls and disabling link previews to prevent third parties from guessing users' IP addresses. All three features are optional and need to be manually enabled by users on their smartphones.