WhatsApp will combat spam and mass messaging with temporary account restriction

WhatsApp is preparing a feature with which it will restrict the sending of messages on accounts that violate their terms of use, such as those that share spam and mass or automated messaging.

The restriction prepared by the technology company will use its automatic systems to detect accounts that show abusive behavior of the service, that is, that they share spam or send mass messages.

The user of a restricted account will see a notification when opening a new chat, which will indicate precisely that they will not be able to start new conversations, as shared by the specialized portal WABetainfo. It will also explain that it is because your “recent activity” can be understood as spam, automation or mass messaging.

This is an alternative to deleting the account, which offers a temporary penalty rather than a permanent one, although it does seem to allow receiving messages and participating in previously started conversations.

This novelty has been seen in the beta of WhatsApp for Android (v2.24.10.5) and is expected to reach the general application in a future update.