WhatsApp declares war on spam with monthly limits on unanswered messages

Holding the title of the most used messaging app globally comes with attached challenges. In the case of WhatsApp, one of the most persistent challenges is tackling spam.

The platform already has automatic spam detection measures in place, but alas, some blasts still slip through. That is precisely why the messaging giant is now taking a more logical approach to battling spam.

WhatsApp will soon start limiting the number of messages individual users and businesses can send to unknown users without getting a response.

The development was shared with TechCrunch, with WhatsApp indicating that messages sent to others will count towards a new "per-month limit." Said messages likely won't count towards the limit when the person you're messaging has you saved as a contact. If the person you're messaging doesn't have you saved as a contact, but they do reply to you, the previously sent messages won't count towards the monthly limit.

No concrete limit set yet

The limits aren't live just yet. According to WhatsApp, the test will be live in multiple countries in the coming weeks. The messaging giant didn't specify a certain limit, though it did indicate that it will be testing different limits initially. The messaging giant added that average users likely won't hit the limit. The controls will be effective agains those that "blast messages and spam people."

If and when an individual or business is about to hit their 'spam limit,' the app will display a warning.

This comes soon after other spam-combating initiatives, including the option to unsubscribe from marketing spam and the option to block spam right from your device's lock screen.