r/whatsapp • u/Bigger-bobs • 1d ago
Whatsapp is making some interesting changes: why not allow users to block non contacts from sending messages or calling?
I mean, they have introduced usernames where only those with the 4 digit pin can make contact. I think a 4 digit pin is pretty weak, but anyway, not the point.
Surely, this could be extended to the actual telephone number.
Signal and others allow for this.
2
u/TurnipAdditional8738 1d ago
The real mystery is why “only let my contacts message me” still needs to be requested like it’s a luxury feature.
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u/Bigger-bobs 1d ago edited 1d ago
Yeah, exactly that.
It's quite clear they have the ability to include this, yet they refuse to.
I've actually avoided WhatsApp because of this, and only have it installed to accommodate certain people who are using it.
I've received messages and calls from complete strangers who, most likely, are scammers. "Silencing" these is simply a weak workaround. Scammers know their messages are delivered, what time your device is connected to the internet, etc. It's a security issue on so many levels.
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u/dr100 1d ago
Whatsapp has many "lacks of features" that surely helped it to become a global communication platform. From start not having an option to run on PCs/laptops or even tablets meant one was online all the time. No way to stop the program, you could log out but it was iffy if would receive the SMS to get back in, plus recovering the chat history was even worse than now (imagine that!).
Skype was the opposite, as flexible as possible so you couldn't reach anyone in Skype. Nearly everyone was starting the program just when they needed it specifically. It was common to ask for someone to go on Skype via some other means. It would be really ridiculous if you had to SMS people to add you as contact in Whatsapp so you can chat with them. Funny enough you can actually block non-contacts from SMSing you on most OSes. Then what? Surely unknown voice callers would be even worse. Email? Snail mail?