New WhatsApp feature backfires, locking users out.

More and more WhatsApp users are seeing their accounts blocked for spam. The reason is likely a new feature currently being tested.

Some WhatsApp users are currently experiencing uncertainty: More and more are reporting that their accounts have been suddenly blocked due to spam. Upon launching the app, the screen displays only the message: “WhatsApp can no longer use this account due to spam.” Consumer protection agencies have also registered initial cases.

The whole thing is dubious because those affected claim they never sent any unsolicited messages. The reason for the WhatsApp block is an ongoing test of the messenger service, which sets a message limit to prevent spam. This protection is now blocking some regular users as well.

WhatsApp blocked without warning.

Users report receiving no notification before their accounts are blocked. Instead, upon opening the app, they see a message stating that the account cannot be used due to spam.

According to consumer protection agencies, messages to unknown numbers or chats without a reply can already be considered suspicious, even if they are legitimate.

The exact criteria WhatsApp uses remain unclear. There is no official information yet regarding limits, thresholds, or warning systems. However, WhatsApp is testing a message limit in the background. Meta responded to an inquiry from the consumer protection agency:

“We are testing new ways to reduce the number of messages people receive so they don’t feel overwhelmed. This includes limiting the number of messages people and businesses can send to strangers and limiting messages that go unanswered.”

A warning message is expected.

Meta would not divulge further details about the new feature, such as the limits, whether those affected could see their remaining quota, or whether there would at least be a warning before a ban.

However, initial reports indicated that users would receive a warning message when an account approached its spam limit. This message would show exactly how many more messages could be sent before a complete block took effect.

This was supposed to prevent users from being blocked unexpectedly without prior notification. But that’s precisely what seems to have happened. The new feature is actually intended for automated or mass messages typical of spam campaigns. Regular users shouldn’t even encounter it.

Affected users can initiate an account review via their locked WhatsApp screen. According to user reports, this always takes a few hours. After that, WhatsApp can be used again.

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