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- WhatsApp recently introduced two new security features: "Silence unknown callers" and "Privacy checkup".
- The features are part of the messaging platform's aim to strengthen the security of messages, calls, and personal information.
- For more stories, visit the Tech and Trends homepage.
WhatsApp has introduced a new privacy feature that allows users to silence calls from unknown numbers.
Called "Silence unknown callers", the feature gives users more control over incoming calls, helping them automatically screen out spam, scams and calls from unknown people for increased protection.
The feature ensures that the call does not ring on the user's phone, but will appear in the call log, just in case you want to return the call.
To activate the feature, users must go to "Settings", then navigate to "Privacy", scroll down to "Calls" and switch it on.
Another new feature called "Privacy checkup" aims to ensure that users know about their WhatsApp account's privacy and security options.
"This step-by-step feature guides you through important privacy settings to help you choose the right level of protection, all in one place," WhatsApp says.
By clicking "Start checkup", users can navigate through multiple privacy layers which strengthen the security of messages, calls, and personal information.
These new features form part of WhatsApp's plan to provide tight security for users. In early May, the instant messaging platform rolled out another privacy feature dubbed "chat lock", which allows users to protect intimate conversations.
This is achieved by taking a thread out of the inbox and putting it behind its own folder that can only be accessed by the owner through a device password or fingerprint.
The security feature also automatically hides the contents of that chat in the notifications.
"Securing your private communication is important because we know people need a safe place to communicate. We're taking this message around the world in new ways to help communicate why this is so important.
"Starting this week, we're encouraging people to check in with one another securely via a private message so friends and loved ones know they have a safe space to open up," said WhatsApp.
