To combat WhatsApp’s rising spam problem, Meta is preparing a new measure: a monthly cap on how many messages users can send to people who haven’t replied. The company confirmed to TechCrunch that the test will begin soon across several countries.
According to Meta, all messages—whether from users or businesses—will count toward this monthly limit unless the recipient responds. For example, if you meet someone at a conference and send them three follow-ups without a reply, all three would count toward your limit.
Meta hasn’t revealed the exact cap yet but insists the change won’t affect normal users. Instead, it targets “people and businesses that blast messages and spam others.” The trial will roll out “in multiple countries in the coming weeks.”
This experiment continues Meta’s broader efforts to reduce unwanted messages on WhatsApp, a platform that serves more than 3 billion users worldwide. Previous attempts, including restrictions on message forwarding and business outreach tools, have mitigated some abuses but haven’t eliminated spam entirely.
The timing of this test comes as WhatsApp develops new username features, which could let users connect without sharing their phone numbers. While that may improve privacy, it could also create new opportunities for spammers. WhatsApp has already begun testing a username reservation screen on Android, with similar functionality recently spotted in the latest iOS beta.
Meta’s latest move shows the company isn’t easing up in its long-running battle against spam—especially as WhatsApp evolves beyond traditional phone number-based chats.
