WhatsApp’s new security feature adds advance protection against malicious links

CALIFORNIA: WhatsApp is introducing a new safety feature to combat spam messages and malicious links. The feature, called “Safety Screen,” aims to help users verify the origin of links before clicking on them, making it easier to identify potentially harmful links.

This update is part of WhatsApp’s efforts to enhance user safety, particularly in response to security incidents like the 2019 vulnerability that allowed spyware installation via a phone call.

The Safety Screen feature will provide users with more information about the sender’s profile, country code, and other details when receiving a message from an unknown contact.

Users can then choose to block or report the sender. This feature is currently available in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.16.6 and will be rolled out to the general public in a future update.

Additionally, WhatsApp is refining its link search feature, allowing users to search for links or text messages within the app. This improvement will enable users to verify the authenticity of links and make informed decisions before clicking.

While WhatsApp has faced criticism over privacy and data collection practices, these updates demonstrate the platform’s commitment to user safety.

The exact release date for the Safety Screen feature is not announced, but it is expected to be available in future updates. Users can test the feature early by joining the WhatsApp beta program on the Google Play Store.