WhatsApp Bolsters Anti-Harassment measures, Rolls Out AI-Powered Features
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - November 21, 2023 – WhatsApp is strengthening its commitment to user safety with new features designed to combat online harassment and spam, alongside a suite of AI-powered enhancements aimed at improving the messaging experience. The updates, announced this week by Meta, include limitations on message sending capacity for users flagged for suspicious activity and a new function allowing users to block the export of conversations.
The move against harassment follows a broader industry push to address online abuse, particularly impacting millions of French citizens, as reported earlier this year. WhatsApp’s new limitations aim to curb the spread of unwanted messages from both individuals and businesses. Previously, the platform implemented a warning message for messages received from unknown contacts.
Beyond security, WhatsApp is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) more deeply into its functionality. A new “advanced chat privacy” feature provides greater control over conversation data. Meta AI is now directly integrated, offering automatic summarization of long discussions and transcription of voice messages. Users also gain speedy access to AI tools via a dedicated widget.
An instant translation function is available, allowing messages to be translated directly within the chat window, supporting around twenty languages on iPhone and a selection on Android.
The update also includes design improvements, particularly on iOS, featuring a “Liquid Glass” effect for a more fluid and luminous interface. Users can now create custom wallpapers and themes using AI. Practical additions include the ability to create groups without promptly adding members, allowing for pre-configuration, and the option to mark conversations as “favorites” and categorize contacts by nature – personal or professional.
Video calls are also becoming more flexible,with zoom capabilities and the ability to add participants mid-call.WhatsApp, the world’s most used instant messaging application, continues to evolve as a “complete platform” focused on security, fluidity, and AI-driven personalization.
