WhatsApp could soon let you screen unknown callers before answering

Tired of dealing with calls from unknown numbers? WhatsApp may soon offer a solution. According to reports, the messaging platform is developing a call filtering feature for Android users. The proposed feature aims to enhance the 'Silence Unknown Callers' function by providing more options for managing incoming calls. The feature has been detected in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android, though it is not yet available for testing.

Users will have three new choices within WhatsApp's privacy settings. The first option, "Never," would disable call filtering, letting users receive notifications for calls from both saved and unknown numbers. The second option would automatically silence calls from unknown numbers, but these would still show up in the Calls tab and notifications.

The third option, reportedly the most useful, would answer incoming calls from unknown numbers and request the caller to explain their purpose. The app would then generate a transcript of the caller's response, which users could review before deciding to answer. This feature aims to prevent unnecessary distractions while still ensuring important calls are not missed.

The transcript would be generated directly on the user's device using language packs, ensuring privacy and supporting end-to-end encryption. The exact release date remains uncertain, but the feature may first be available to beta testers in a future update. If rolled out to a wider audience, this feature could make WhatsApp calls more convenient by incorporating spam prevention, caller screening, and enhanced user control.