Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
TL; DR
- WhatsApp is working on a new reporting system for messages.
- The function enables users to report individual messages from contacts or companies to WhatsApp.
- This appears to be an alternative to the contact reporting system already available.
WhatsApp underwent rigorous scrutiny earlier this month over an investigation into its news reporting and moderation system. Now the company appears to be working on a new, more concise way for users to report messages. According to information from discovered by WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp beta version for Android offers the possibility to report individual, specific messages to WhatsApp.
The current contact reporting system sends the offensive message and the previous four to WhatsApp. The additional messages seem to give the company more context to decide whether or not to block a contact. With the new feature, users can now seemingly highlight a single message, be it from an individual chat, group discussion, or business account.
When you select a specific message, those running WhatsApp beta version 2.21.20.1 will see a new drop-down option. Tapping this option will bring up a dialog box where users can also block the offensive company or contact.
It’s unclear when the feature will land on stable builds, but the timing suggests its development is a response to recent moderation outcry. The individual message reporting feature seems like a more privacy-friendly way to report contacts.
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