In a recent update, WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, introduced a new privacy feature called “Silence Unknown Callers.” This feature is designed to give users more control over their incoming calls, offering increased privacy and protection. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, highlighted WhatsApp’s dedication to prioritizing user privacy and their ongoing efforts to enhance security.
The “Silence Unknown Callers” Feature
The newly introduced “Silence Unknown Callers” feature works by automatically muting incoming calls from unknown contacts on WhatsApp. This empowers users to have a more peaceful and controlled calling experience while effectively screening out spam, scams, and calls from unfamiliar individuals. When enabled, WhatsApp calls from unknown numbers will not ring on the user’s device, although they will still be visible in the call list and notifications if the user wants to call back.
Enabling the Feature
Enabling the “Silence Unknown Caller” feature on WhatsApp is a simple process. Users can follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your device and tap on “Settings,” then click on “Privacy.”
- In the “Privacy” section, select “Calls.”
- Toggle on the “Silence unknown callers” option.
Privacy Checkup
In addition to the new feature, WhatsApp has introduced “Privacy Checkup” to guide users through the available privacy and security options. This step-by-step checkup allows users to customize their privacy settings based on their preferences and needs. It covers aspects such as choosing who can contact you, controlling personal information, adding privacy to chats, and enhancing account protection with options like two-step verification and biometric authentication.
Continued Efforts for Privacy
WhatsApp has been actively rolling out new features to enhance privacy and ensure a secure messaging experience. These include the “Chat Lock” feature for password protection of sensitive conversations, “Disappearing Messages” that automatically delete messages after a specified period, “Screenshot Blocking for View Once” to restrict media capture, and “Online Presence Privacy” for controlling online status visibility.
Conclusion
With the introduction of the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature and ongoing efforts to improve privacy, WhatsApp continues to prioritize the privacy and security of its users. These updates reflect the company’s commitment to providing a safe and protected environment for seamless communication.
