WhatsApp moves to tackle spam: Persistent “hello” messages from strangers could soon disappear

WhatsApp is rolling out new measures to tackle spam and unsolicited messages. The popular messaging platform is testing monthly message limits for users and businesses contacting strangers, promising a cleaner, safer, and more personal chat experience.

WhatsApp Cracks Down on Spam

If your WhatsApp inbox is overflowing with unread messages from unknown numbers, relief is on the way. The messaging giant is implementing limits on how many messages users and businesses can send to contacts who don’t respond. This is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing effort to curb spam and improve user experience.

How the New Messaging Cap Works

The platform is testing a monthly message cap for messages sent to people outside your contact list. Each message to someone who hasn’t replied counts toward the monthly limit. For example, sending three messages to a new acquaintance who hasn’t responded would count as three against your total. While WhatsApp hasn’t revealed the exact cap, users approaching the limit will receive a warning notification. Ignoring this could temporarily block messaging to new contacts.

Rollout and Impact

The feature will be gradually rolled out in multiple countries in the coming weeks. WhatsApp has reassured regular users that the cap will not affect normal conversations with friends and family. The initiative is primarily aimed at preventing mass messaging and spam, ensuring that the app remains personal and manageable.

Spam Challenges in Expanding Markets

WhatsApp has evolved from a simple chat app to a multi-functional platform supporting communities, business communication, and customer service. This expansion has brought challenges, including unsolicited messages and promotional spam. Countries like India, with over 500 million users, are particularly impacted, making spam control a high priority for the platform.

Previous Anti-Spam Measures

Over the past year, WhatsApp has introduced several anti-spam tools. In July 2024, the platform limited marketing messages, capping the number businesses could send per month. An unsubscribe option followed, allowing users to receive updates without being bombarded by promotions. Early experiments with broadcast message limits, which restrict mass messages to multiple recipients, have also been tested in several countries including India.

Encouraging Responsible Messaging

The new monthly message cap is designed to make every unsolicited message count. This approach discourages both small-scale spammers and large marketing campaigns. Businesses using WhatsApp for customer outreach will need to focus on meaningful engagement rather than indiscriminate messaging.

A Quieter, Cleaner Inbox

For everyday users, the new measures promise a significant improvement. A reduction in spam and unwanted messages will make inboxes less cluttered, enhancing the overall messaging experience. While the change may not immediately eliminate all promotional messages, it is a major step toward restoring WhatsApp as a personal, user-friendly communication platform.

What Users Can Expect

Users should expect a gradual implementation, with warnings when approaching the message cap. Normal messaging with known contacts will remain unaffected. Businesses will need to adjust marketing strategies and focus on higher-quality interactions to comply with the new limits.

The Future of Messaging on WhatsApp

By prioritizing user experience and controlling spam, WhatsApp aims to maintain its position as a leading global messaging platform. With these updates, users can enjoy more meaningful interactions while businesses refine communication strategies for better engagement.