Meta to Limit WhatsApp “Ghosting” in New Spam Fight
MENLO PARK, CA – October 18, 2024 – meta announced today it will begin restricting the number of people a WhatsApp user can message who haven’t responded, a move designed to combat spam and unwanted contact. The new limits,rolling out now,aim to curb automated messaging campaigns and protect users from unsolicited communications.
The changes address a growing problem of abuse on the platform, where spammers exploit WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption to send mass messages, frequently enough for phishing scams or advertising. By limiting the ability to message users who haven’t previously engaged in a conversation, Meta hopes to substantially reduce the effectiveness of these tactics. The update impacts users globally and represents a key step in Meta’s ongoing efforts to maintain WhatsApp as a secure and reliable communication tool.
Specifically, WhatsApp will initially limit users to sending messages to a small number of unreplied contacts at a time. If a user attempts to message too many non-responding numbers, their account may face restrictions, including temporary inability to send messages. Meta did not disclose the exact number of messages considered excessive, citing the need to adapt to evolving spam techniques.
“We’re constantly working to improve people’s experiences on WhatsApp,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement. “These changes are designed to protect people from unwanted messages and help keep WhatsApp a safe place to connect with friends, family, and businesses.”
The company stated it will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these measures and adjust them as needed.Users experiencing unwanted messages are encouraged to block the sender and report the issue through WhatsApp’s built-in reporting tools.
