WhatsApp is a popular messaging app, but it's been criticized for letting unwanted messages and spam come through. Right now, anyone with your phone number can message or call you, which can be annoying and a privacy issue. To fix this, WhatsApp is working on a new feature that lets you block messages from people you don’t know.

According to WABetaInfo, a trusted source for WhatsApp news, there’s a new feature called "Block Unknown Account Messages" being tested in the Android beta version 2.24.17.24. This feature aims to block messages from strangers or unknown numbers. It’s not available yet but should be out in a few months. When it is, you’ll find it in the Privacy settings under the Advanced section, and you can turn it on with a simple switch. This feature is expected to help with privacy and reduce spam, especially for people who get a lot of unwanted messages.

Currently, WhatsApp is more open about messaging, which makes it easy to communicate but also allows unwanted interactions. Other apps, like Signal, offer better privacy controls. Many hope WhatsApp will add similar privacy features.

Along with this new privacy feature, WhatsApp has recently added the option to create custom stickers using Meta AI and a wider selection of stickers and GIFs from GIPHY, making chats more fun and personalized.

The new Block Unknown Account Messages tool should improve privacy and reduce spam when it becomes available. In the meantime, users can enjoy new sticker options and an expanded sticker library.