The change, which restricts how many messages can be sent without receiving a reply, will enable Meta to protect user experience while expanding WhatsApp’s business ecosystem.

Over the years, WhatsApp has evolved from a personal messaging app into a complex communication platform connecting friends, families, communities, and businesses. But with that growth has come an influx of spam, from unsolicited marketing blasts to cold outreach messages. 

The company is now testing new policies that will count every message sent to non-responsive contacts against a monthly quota.

This means that if a user or business sends multiple messages to someone who doesn’t reply, for instance, after meeting at a conference, those messages will count toward their limit. 

Once that threshold is close to being reached, WhatsApp will warn the sender with a pop-up notification showing how many messages they have left before hitting the cap.

Although WhatsApp has not revealed the exact number of messages permitted, it confirmed to TechCrunch that the test is being rolled out across multiple countries in the coming weeks. 

According to the company, average users are unlikely to hit this limit. The measure is aimed primarily at those who “blast messages and spam people,” disrupting the experience of regular users.

Personally, I understand why this change is necessary. My WhatsApp inbox usually seems like an endless wall of unread messages, many from unknown contacts or business accounts I never interacted with. This is a common experience in countries like India, where WhatsApp doubles as both a personal and business communication tool.

The new “Messaging Limit Framework,” which officially took effect on October 7, 2025, will apply limits per phone number, WhatsApp now enforces a single cap across entire business accounts. This closes the loophole where companies could bypass restrictions by using multiple numbers. The rule applies to all outreach, from broadcasts to follow-ups, targeting users who haven’t responded.

At the same time, WhatsApp is testing a monthly cap on broadcast messages, accompanied by a new “Broadcast Management” dashboard. This tool allows businesses to track how many messages they have sent and how many remain for the month, designed to promote more targeted, consent-based communication rather than mass marketing.

Behind these changes is Meta’s focus on monetising WhatsApp through its business messaging services, projected to generate $10 billion in annual revenue by 2026. The WhatsApp Business API is at the heart of this strategy, giving enterprises tools to engage customers while still maintaining trust and user satisfaction.

To complement the limits, WhatsApp has expanded user management, giving people more say over who can message them. These include:

• “Unsubscribe” buttons within business chats
• Easy-access “Report” and “Block” shortcuts
• Labels identifying verified business accounts

These updates are especially important in markets like India, Brazil, and Nigeria, where WhatsApp is usually the main channel for both personal and business communication.

With billions of users and increasing business activity on the platform, WhatsApp’s new approach comes as a balancing act, protecting people from spam while ensuring companies can still reach customers who genuinely want to hear from them.

Each customer interaction is guarded by a suite of advanced security measures, ensuring both protection and peace of mind for users navigating the digital landscape.

Comprehensive Multi-Layered Security Framework

The Stanbic IBTC Mobile App 3.0 employs a comprehensive approach to security, integrating advanced encryption, biometric and multi-factor authentication, secure coding standards, and behavioural risk profiling. This layered defence strategy is

designed to counteract evolving cyber threats, meaning every login, transaction, and exchange of information remains protected. Such a holistic framework empowers customers to confidently manage their finances, knowing that robust safeguards are in place at every step.

A Shared Commitment to Security

Stanbic IBTC’s dedication to security extends beyond technological solutions; it embodies a culture of shared responsibility. As highlighted by Abumere Igboa, Chief Information Security Officer at Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC: “Stanbic IBTC prioritises the safety of its customers and continually ensures the security of its digital platforms with innovative technology to detect, monitor and protect against online threats during financial transactions.

Staying safe and secure online is a shared responsibility that begins with you and me. We must jointly support and remain committed to a safer Cyber space.

Should you notice any suspicious activity when using any of our digital and online platforms, don’t delay – act promptly and reach out to our 24/7 customer support centre.”

This philosophy fosters an environment where cutting-edge security tools are complemented by customer empowerment, creating a vigilant and resilient banking ecosystem.

Biometric and Multi-Factor Authentication

At the heart of the app’s security is its robust biometric and multi-factor authentication (MFA) system.

This foundation ensures secure and seamless digital access by requiring multiple independent identity verification methods, moving beyond the limitations of traditional passwords.

The result is a significant reduction in the risk of account takeovers, strengthening overall account security.

The biometric authentication feature enables customers to utilise fingerprint or facial recognition on compatible devices, combining convenience with stringent protection.

By making unauthorised access exceedingly difficult, the app upholds the premium security standards expected by its users.

Encryption is integral to every interaction within the app, safeguarding sensitive data both in transit and at rest.

This protection prevents unauthorised interception or tampering, ensuring that critical information, such as transaction details and personal identifiers, remains inaccessible to unauthorised parties.

Together, these measures create a comprehensive “defence-in-depth” security strategy.

Customer Empowerment and Self-Service Safeguards

The app further empowers users with self-service security features, allowing them to instantly immobilise their accounts upon detecting suspicious activity.

Additionally, a USSD fallback option (9091*911#) is available for blocking accounts, enabling immediate action in cases such as device loss.

This ensures that customers retain control and can act swiftly to protect their financial assets.

Redefining Premium Banking Security

Stanbic IBTC Mobile App 3.0 stands as a model for layered, intuitive, and resilient banking security.

By embedding sophisticated features into a unified platform, the bank reinforces its commitment to safeguarding customer funds and cultivating lasting trust in an increasingly digital world.

To experience these enhanced security measures first-hand, download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store today, and embrace a future where financial security is at the forefront.

This explains why the gospel of Human-Centered Design (HCD) is taking centre stage in this crowded space. It moves the user to the heart of the development process, ensuring interfaces are functional, intuitive, and delightful. 

What is Human-Centered Design (HCD), and why should you care?

Human-centered design (HCD) is a methodology that places the user at the heart of the design process.  HCD focuses on how people think, feel, and act daily.

It is the cornerstone of the user, customer, and service experience.

Human-centered design thrives on empathy. It asks designers to step into the user’s shoes and understand their needs, frustrations, and aspirations. This user-centric approach translates into clear, predictable interfaces that cater directly to user goals.

The Pillars and Guiding Principles of Effective HCD

• User-Centered: Every design decision prioritises the user. Usability testing and user research become essential tools, ensuring the interface resonates with the target audience.
• Consistent: Consistency in design language fosters trust and ease of use. Users shouldn’t have to re-learn how to interact with each new page.
• Responsive: In today’s multi-device world, interfaces must adapt seamlessly across desktops, tablets, and phones. Responsiveness ensures a frustration-free experience on any platform.
• Accessible: HCD champions inclusivity. By following accessibility guidelines, everyone can use interfaces, regardless of ability. 

The Benefits: A Win-Win Proposition for all

Human-Centered design isn’t just about feel-good design; it’s a strategic investment. Here’s how it benefits everyone:

• Users: Increased satisfaction, improved accessibility, and a more enjoyable experience.
• Businesses: Reduced development costs, higher user retention, and a stronger brand reputation.
• Developers: A sense of purpose in creating solutions that truly matter and continuous improvement through user feedback.

 The Iterative Process: From User Research to Launch

HCD is an iterative process. Here’s a glimpse into the key phases:

1. Know Your Users: User research forms the foundation. Through interviews and surveys, designers deeply understand the target audience.
2. Define the Problem: Data from user research is analysed to pinpoint the core issue the interface aims to address.
3. Ideate and Design: Brainstorming sessions generate potential solutions. These are then translated into prototypes for user testing.
4. Test and Iterate: User feedback is collected through usability testing. This feedback informs further refinement of the design.
5. Launch and Maintain: The interface is launched, but the journey doesn’t end there. User feedback continues to be collected to ensure ongoing improvement.

Your Role as a  Frontend Engineer/Architect:

Frontend software engineers play a crucial role in translating Human-centered design principles into reality. Your expertise in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React brings the user interface to life, ensuring it’s functional, aesthetically pleasing, and performs well across devices.

Effective collaboration with UI/UX designers and product managers is key to maintaining design fidelity and aligning the interface with user needs and business objectives.

 The Future of Design: User-Centric and Ever-Evolving

In an increasingly competitive digital landscape, HCD offers a clear path forward. By prioritising user needs and fostering empathy, we can design usable and loved interfaces. As technology evolves, so will HCD, ensuring our interfaces remain user-centric and deliver exceptional experiences.

Meet the writer:

Oluwaseyi is an accomplished Senior Frontend Engineer with over four years of experience specialising in user-friendly interfaces. He is very skilled at developing scalable solutions and engaging user experiences.