Scams and spam circulating via WhatsApp (such as the fraudulent messages from Rosa Caro Serrano or the theft of accounts using the six-digit code) are increasingly common. Fortunately, Meta is constantly working to improve the security of WhatsApp. In fact, just a few days ago we commented that the app would be able to automatically block messages from strangers.
One of the most anticipated features of WhatsApp is the arrival of usernames, something that seems to be getting closer. This is a feature available on platforms such as Telegram or Signal that will allow us associate our account with a username so that other people can contact us without having to provide our phone number.
The PIN code would prevent anyone from sending messages to a username
While usernames on messaging apps are very useful (they save us from having to reveal our phone number), anyone with our username can contact us. This means that if the username is easy to find we might receive messages from strangers.
This is common in apps like Telegram, where it is not uncommon to receive messages from strangers. In the case of Telegram, the app allows us to automatically archive messages from strangers to fight against spam. Everything seems to indicate that Meta is working on a function to prevent anyone who discovers our username from writing to us.
As WABetaInfo explains, the company is testing the operation of a PIN system that would prevent it from sending us messages without knowing our phone number. The feature we are talking about is available in the WhatsApp beta version 2.24.18.2 for Androideven if for the moment it is not functional.
Screenshots showing the steps to select a username and set a PIN. Image by WABetaInfo.
The idea is that those who have never interacted with us must use the PIN code that we have previously created to be able to send us messages. In other words, in addition to the username we will also have to provide them with this code. Of course, we will have to use a PIN code that we are willing to give to other people, so it must not coincide with other security codes.
This measure would prevent spam from being sent to users who have set up the code (this is an optional feature). It is important to note that the PIN code This only affects messages sent to our usernamemessages sent to the phone number will therefore continue to work as usual.
Finally, we remind you that usernames on WhatsApp They have not yet officially arrived on the platformso we will have to continue waiting for the company to activate the feature.
By | WABetaInfo
Cover Image | Microsoft Designer Image Creator
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