WhatsApp tests AI-driven scam detection and expanded pinning features

WhatsApp is testing new features in its beta versions to enhance user security and functionality. A new feature called ‘Scam Alert’ is being rolled out for Android, utilizing on-device artificial intelligence to detect fraudulent messages from unknown contacts.

To protect user privacy, the AI model operates locally on the device rather than in the cloud, ensuring that end-to-end encryption remains intact and message content does not leave the phone. When a potential scam is detected, users receive a warning and can choose to remove the alert, block the sender, or report the contact to WhatsApp.

Additionally, WhatsApp is expanding its customization options by increasing the number of messages that can be pinned at the top of individual or group chats. The update, currently seen in beta versions, allows users to pin up to four messages instead of the previous limit of three.