WhatsApp Rolls Out New Feature to Silence Calls from Unknown Numbers

Jakarta – The 'Silence Unknown Callers and Privacy Check' feature is now available for WhatsApp users in Indonesia. This is part of the company's efforts to provide a layer of security for users.

Previously, there was Chat Lock which claimed to protect sensitive chats with a password, Temporary Messages that will disappear automatically, screenshot blocking for One View, and the ability to keep online presence private.

"Protecting message privacy remains the driving force behind every feature we build on WhatsApp," the company wrote.

While end-to-end encryption is the foundation for ensuring calls and messages remain secure, WhatsApp acknowledges that it continues to add more privacy layers on top, including the recently launched Chat Lock.

"We're excited to add two more updates to this long list, namely 'Silence Unknown Callers and Privacy Check' which are now available to users," It said.

The 'Silence Unknown Callers' feature is designed to give users more privacy and control over incoming calls.

This feature helps filter out spam, scams, and calls from unknown people automatically for increased protection.

Calls from unknown people will not ring on the phone, but will remain visible in the Calls list if they are from someone important.

WhatsApp is also introducing a Privacy Checkup feature to help ensure everyone is aware of the protection options on WhatsApp.

This step-by-step feature will guide users through important privacy settings to help choose the right level of protection in one place.

By selecting 'Start checkup' in the Privacy settings, users will be guided through several privacy layers that strengthen the security of messages, calls, and personal information.

"Securing personal communications is important because we know that people need a safe place to communicate. We're bringing this message to the world in a new way to help explain why it's so important," WhatsApp said.