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WhatsApp\u2019s latest feature can automatically mute incoming calls if they\u2019re from an unknown number, the service announced today<\/a>. The setting is available by going into WhatsApp\u2019s settings, hitting \u201cPrivacy,\u201d selecting \u201cCalls,\u201d and turning on the \u201cSilence Unknown Callers\u201d toggle. WhatsApp says the feature will help \u201cscreen out spam, scams, and calls from unknown people for increased protection.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n When enabled, the feature silences all signs of incoming calls from unknown numbers including both sound and visual alerts in the app. However, silenced calls will still appear in your recent calls list with a \u201csilenced unknown caller\u201d note next to them, in case you want to call back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The addition of the feature comes after reports of an uptick in spam calls, particularly affecting Indian users. A month ago, TechCrunch<\/em> reported<\/a> that WhatsApp had introduced a new enforcement system that used machine learning to reduce the amount of spam calls by a claimed 50 percent. Now, with the new silencing feature in the app, users can attempt to silence any spam calls not caught by the service\u2019s automatic filters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In addition to the silencing feature, WhatsApp says it\u2019s also adding a new \u201cPrivacy Checkup\u201d feature that\u2019s designed to inform users about the privacy and security options WhatsApp offers, step-by-step. The checkup covers several categories, including letting users choose who can contact them, and adding additional security to their account such as two-step verification or requiring biometric authentication to open the app.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n