WhatsApp tests Android call‑filtering feature that screens unknown callers

WhatsApp is testing a call‑filtering tool for Android that can screen unknown callers before you pick up. The feature would sit inside WhatsApp’s privacy settings and offer three choices. Selecting “Never” turns off filtering, so the phone rings and shows notifications for both saved and unknown numbers. The second choice silences calls from unknown numbers; they still appear in the Calls tab and in notifications but the phone does not ring. The third choice, the most advanced, would automatically answer an unknown call, prompt the caller to state why they are calling, and then generate a transcript that the recipient can read before deciding to take the call. This lets users avoid distractions while still catching important calls from unsaved numbers. WhatsApp has not set a public launch date and says the tool is still in development. It may first reach a limited group of beta testers in a future update. If rolled out widely, the option could add spam protection, caller screening and more control over WhatsApp calls. ## Context The addition follows a broader push by messaging apps to give users better tools against unwanted calls, similar to call‑blocking features on smartphones and other platforms.