whatsapp: WhatsApp will now allow users to block spam messages from businesses

WhatsApp is finally changing the way businesses and users can interact with each other on its platform. Users can now select the kind of messages they want to receive from businesses like one-time passwords (OTPs), sales, offers or customer service messages thereby avoiding getting spammed

According to Techcrunch, businesses can connect to their users via WhatsApp API through four categories: marketing (offers, new products), utility (order updates, account balance), authentication (one-time passwords) and service (customer inquiries).

Also Read: Will use AI tools to tackle growing instances of spam on WhatsApp: Meta’s Nikila Srinivasan

While these options always existed in the backend, users did not have an active role in choosing one type of message and blocking the unwanted ones. If the users wanted one type of message, they were stuck with the others. Not anymore. This move is expected to reduce spamming while increasing engagement of the users with businesses by customising the chats according to their likes and dislikes.

WhatsApp users have long been plagued by spam messages, which could range from marketing schemes from their favourite brand to financial scams. Mixed with the unwanted messages could be essential information like order updates, OTPs and customer service enquiries.

Also Read: You are under digital arrest! How fake cop scams are draining victims’ bank accounts

The only option left for customers who wanted to escape from such messages was to block the business altogether. That made it all the more difficult for customers who regularly followed or ordered from these businesses.Earlier this year, ET reported how WhatsApp has introduced a new feature aiming to tackle the persistent issue of spam messages plaguing its platform. It allowed its users to block spam directly from their lock screens, thereby avoiding unwanted messages without having to open the app.

Last month, ET had reported how the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) have started taking steps to curb junk calls and messages by bringing telemarketers under regulatory control and fixing accountability. This move, along with WhatsApp’s initiative, will be a huge relief for the users.

Also Read: New rules on data protection likely to be notified soon