WhatsApp introduces new security settings to block unknown media, links, and calls, protecting high-risk users.

Strict Account Settings, a new security feature introduced by WhatsApp, silences calls from uncontacted numbers, disables link previews, and blocks media from unknown senders. It is intended to shield high-risk individuals, such as journalists and activists, from targeted cyber threats and is accessible to all users with a single toggle. The update, which is being released gradually, improves current end-to-end encryption and is a reflection of larger industry initiatives to improve privacy.