WhatsApp will curb the number of messages people and businesses can send without a response

In a bid to tackle the increasing spam issues, WhatsApp is introducing restrictions on the number of messages that users and businesses can send to unknown contacts without receiving a response. Originally designed for straightforward communication among personal contacts, WhatsApp has evolved significantly, now encompassing group chats, community features, and business messaging. As the volume of messages has surged, many users find it challenging to keep up with their inboxes. Under the new policy, any message sent to someone who does not reply will contribute toward a monthly cap. For example, if you send three messages to a new acquaintance after meeting them at an event, all three will count against this limit. WhatsApp has not yet disclosed the specific threshold for these limits, as it is currently testing various options. However, users will be notified through a pop-up alert as they approach the cap, allowing them to adjust their messaging practices to avoid being restricted from sending further messages. According to a statement made to TechCrunch, WhatsApp plans to roll out this testing phase in multiple countries over the next few weeks. The company reassured average users that they are unlikely to reach these limits, as the measures are primarily aimed at reducing the influx of spam messages sent by businesses and individuals. Many WhatsApp users, particularly in regions like India, report having numerous unread messages, a significant portion of which originate from businesses or unknown sources. Over the past year, WhatsApp has been actively implementing various strategies to mitigate spam, including restrictions on marketing messages sent by businesses. In July 2024, the platform began experimenting with limits on the number of promotional messages businesses can distribute per month. Additionally, WhatsApp has introduced an option for users to opt out of receiving marketing messages, ensuring they can still receive important updates or support without being inundated by unwanted communications. Earlier this year, the platform also tested limits on broadcast messages sent by both users and businesses, expanding these trials in over a dozen countries, including India, which boasts a user base exceeding 500 million.