WhatsApp has announced a range of new updates aimed at improving the messaging and calling experience while helping users identify scams on the platform. This initiative comes as the company reported the removal of over 6.8 million accounts linked to criminal scam operations targeting individuals worldwide.
Among the new features is a safety overview for group chats, which activates when someone not in your contact list adds you to an unfamiliar group. This overview provides key information about the group and safety tips, helping users assess whether to engage. Users can see if the person who added them is a contact and if any group members are in their contact list. Notifications from the chat will be muted until users decide to remain in the group.
To further enhance safety in individual chats, WhatsApp is testing new methods to alert users before they engage with potentially fraudulent contacts. This includes providing additional context when starting a chat with someone not in their contacts.
WhatsApp has also revealed its collaboration with OpenAI to disrupt scam activities traced back to a center in Cambodia, where scammers have used ChatGPT to craft misleading messages. These scams involved offers of payments for fake likes, pyramid schemes, and cryptocurrency investments, aiming to build trust before urging targets to deposit money into crypto accounts.
In addition to these security features, WhatsApp has introduced several updates to enrich user interactions. A notable addition is the “Online” indicator in group chats, showing how many participants are available to chat. Users can now prioritize notifications with a “Notify for” setting, choosing to receive alerts for @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts, or all notifications.
ICYMI: 7 Self-Deceptions that keep people stuck in unhealthy relationships
iPhone users will also benefit from a new option to scan and send documents directly within the app. Furthermore, WhatsApp can now be set as the default messaging and calling app on iPhones, and users can pinch to zoom during video calls.
WhatsApp has improved video call technology for greater reliability and quality, aiming to reduce dropped calls and video freezing. Enhanced bandwidth detection will support HD-quality calls.
Additionally, users can now create events in one-on-one conversations and RSVP as “maybe,” invite a plus one, add end dates and times, and pin events for easier access. Users can also add someone to an ongoing one-on-one call directly from a chat thread.
For channels, updates include the ability for admins to record and share short videos, generate unique QR codes linking directly to their channels, and obtain written summaries of voice message updates, making it easier to stay informed while on the go.
WhatsApp encourages users to carefully evaluate suspicious messages and verify the identities of anyone claiming to be friends or family through different communication methods.
