WhatsApp Reportedly Testing Feature to Warn Users Against Annoying Chain Letter Spam

According to a new report from TechCrunch, WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature that would warn users against annoying chain letter spam.

The feature, which was spotted by Whatsappen.nl and WABetaInfo, warns users that certain message have been “forwarded many times.” This message will appear to both the sender and receiver and makes no claims about the messages’ authenticity.

WABetaInfo gave an example of a chain-mail message that prompts the warning:

WhatsApp is going to cost us money soon. The only way that it will stay free is if you are a frequent user i.e. you have at least 10 people you are chatting with. To become a frequent user send this message to 10 people who receive it (2 ticks) and your WhatsApp logo should turn Red to indicate a frequent user.

The scale of these tests and whether or not this feature will actually be permanently added to the service is unclear.

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