WhatsApp to Limit Unanswered Messages in New Anti-Spam Move

WhatsApp has announced a new message-sending limit aimed at curbing spam and unwanted communication from individuals and businesses. The platform will now restrict how many messages users can send without receiving a reply, marking a major step in its ongoing effort to create a safer and less intrusive messaging experience.

Initially launched as a simple personal chat app, WhatsApp has evolved into a complex communication platform with groups, communities, and business messaging. With this growth, spam and unsolicited messages have become a growing concern, especially in markets like India, where WhatsApp serves over 500 million users.

Under the new system, all messages sent to users who do not reply will count toward a monthly limit. Once a user or business approaches the threshold, a warning pop-up will appear, displaying how many messages remain before restrictions take effect.

“The goal is to protect users from unwanted messages while keeping genuine communication smooth,” a WhatsApp spokesperson.

WhatsApp has not disclosed the exact limit yet, as it is testing different thresholds across multiple countries. The company clarified that average users are unlikely to be affected, and the controls mainly target spammers and bulk messaging businesses.

Previous Anti-Spam Efforts

This update follows WhatsApp’s earlier measures to fight spam:

• July 2024: Testing limits on marketing messages per business per month.
• 2024: Option for users to unsubscribe from business promotions.
• Early 2025: Restrictions on broadcast message frequency.

Experts believe these steps aim to balance WhatsApp’s growing business features with user privacy and message control.

“WhatsApp wants to ensure businesses engage responsibly without overwhelming users,” said a digital communication analyst.

The new system will be rolled out in phases across several countries in the coming weeks. If successful, it could redefine how businesses use WhatsApp for marketing prioritizing quality engagement over message volume.