WhatsApp is launching a new policy to limit unsolicited messages, penalizing senders whose initial outreach to non-contacts goes unanswered.
The Meta-owned messaging service will implement a monthly cap on messages sent to individuals not in a user’s contact list who do not respond. This aims to combat the growing problem of spam.
Under the new system, a message counts towards the sender’s monthly quota unless the recipient replies, signaling mutual interest in the communication.
The initiative primarily targets businesses and individuals who send high volumes of messages. WhatsApp states that this practice has degraded user experience by inundating inboxes with irrelevant content. The goal is to restore the platform’s private and personal nature.
Meta has not disclosed the precise monthly message limit. The company stated that different thresholds will be tested in various countries over the coming weeks to find an optimal balance.
Senders approaching their monthly limit will receive in-app pop-up alerts. This allows them to adjust their messaging strategies before temporary restrictions on sending new messages to unsaved contacts are imposed.
WhatsApp emphasizes that the average user, who typically communicates with known contacts, will not be affected by these restrictions. The policy focuses on those contributing significantly to platform spam.
The change is designed to compel bulk message senders to adopt more targeted and thoughtful communication methods, fostering genuine engagement rather than mass, unsolicited outreach.