Meta has decided to crack down on spam messages on WhatsApp. The messaging platform will soon test a new system that limits how many messages a user can send when their previous ones go unanswered.
A targeted approach to fighting spam
The system is quite clever: only messages that go unanswered will count toward the monthly limit. The goal is clearly to target senders of massive, unsolicited messages while leaving regular one-on-one conversations untouched.
According to TechCrunch, the threshold shouldn’t affect most everyday users. However, businesses and accounts that send messages in large volumes may need to rethink their communication habits.
A delicate balance to strike
The move does raise some questions, though. Group admins or professionals who send legitimate alerts could end up being penalized, since their messages don’t always prompt a reply.
WhatsApp will therefore need to fine-tune this new system carefully, as it builds on existing restrictions for promotional messages. A gradual rollout across several countries should help the company make the right adjustments.
Still, it remains to be seen whether this new policy, despite its good intentions, might hinder certain useful communications. The app will have to prove it can effectively tell the difference between spam and legitimate messages that deserve to be widely shared.
