WhatsApp Rolls Out Anti-Scam Alerts And New Backup Management Tools

WhatsApp parent Meta has introduced a fresh set of anti-scam features aimed at protecting unsuspecting users from cybercriminals. Going forward, before replying to a message or call from an unknown number, users will see clear information on screen about which country the number belongs to and whether they share any common groups with that contact. The company has also rolled out a dedicated algorithm that flags suspicious links and requests, designed to make users pause and think before they fall into a scammer’s trap. Meta first announced these anti-scam features in March 2026, and the pattern-tracking algorithm now warns users proactively when it detects signs of likely fraud.

Backup Management Gets An Overhaul
Alongside the security updates, WhatsApp is testing a new backup management feature in partnership with Google. Android users can now control their WhatsApp backups directly from their phone’s settings, after updating to app version v26.23, following a new update from Google Play Store Services.

AI-Powered Storage Cleanup On The Way
Meta is also preparing to roll out an AI-powered feature, similar to tools already used in Google Drive and Gmail, that will identify and delete unnecessary old backups and low-quality duplicate photos to free up cloud storage space. This feature is still in development and expected to become available soon.