With all-new Flash calls, users can choose the option to verify their phone number through an automated call-in place of a text message.
WhatsApp has also added Message level reporting with which a user can report accounts to the messaging platform.
WhatsApp released two new features on Monday to improve user safety: Flash calls and Message level reporting. The two additional features are in addition to the other options available to users of the Meta-owned messaging platform.
The all-new Flash calls option now includes the option to verify the user’s phone number with an automated call rather than an SMS. This improves user account security in the event that the phone is stolen, and a hacker may now utilise messages. Users can also report accounts to WhatsApp by marking a specific message with the message level reporting feature.
“In our continuous endeavour to provide more safety and control to users, WhatsApp is now introducing two new safety features, ‘flash calls’ and ‘message level reporting’ to ensure that user experience remains secure, in addition to the host of other safety measures and product features that allow users to continue safeguarding their personal messaging experience,” WhatsApp said in a statement.
WhatsApp Flash calls
Until now, every time you changed phones, you had to enter a code received through text message in order to activate your WhatsApp account on the new device. WhatsApp is providing another option for users to receive an automated call for phone number verification using Flash calls. This implies that Flash calls enable WhatsApp to automatically call their device and verify, removing the need for any extra text message-based verification. According to the messaging platform, this new alternative is far safer than SMS verification. According to WhatsApp, Flash calls are made entirely within the app.
Message-level reporting
Message level reporting is the next new feature, which allows users to report accounts to WhatsApp by marking an individual message. Users can either complain or ban a user by simply long-pressing a certain message. WhatsApp already has a slew of security features that users may make use of, such as two-step authentication, View Once, Disappearing messages, and lock your WhatsApp using Touch ID or Face ID.
