WhatsApp is taking important steps to enhance user privacy by continuously releasing updates. This time, the new WhatsApp security measure comes with the introduction of a new feature in its beta versions for Android and iOS. This feature is known as “Preserve IP address in calls”. Read here to know more about this new security update:
Protect IP address in calls feature
This feature adds an extra layer of security when using WhatsApp’s calling functionality. The primary purpose is to prevent malicious actors from obtaining users’ location and spying on their calls.
This new feature was first discovered by WABetaInfo, which is known for highlighting upcoming updates and features of WhatsApp. The feature is currently available in the latest WhatsApp beta versions for Android and iOS, where it re-routes calls through WhatsApp servers to protect users’ IP addresses.
How to enable?
To enable this additional protection, users can access the new toggle under a section called “Advanced” within the “Privacy” settings. WhatsApp assures users that with this feature enabled, all calls will be protected by end-to-end encryption. This means that even WhatsApp itself will not have access to the content of users’ conversations.
While this feature undoubtedly improves privacy, WhatsApp acknowledges that there may be a slight impact on call quality due to the encryption and routing processes involved in relaying calls through its servers.
As of now, this toggle is only visible to select users using the beta version of the app. However, WhatsApp is planning to make it available to all users in the future, although the exact date of the stable version release has not been confirmed.
The move is a part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to enhance user privacy and security.
The “Preserve IP address in calls” feature is particularly important for protecting user privacy, especially when communicating with unknown contacts, as it significantly reduces the possibility of tracking one’s IP address and location. Is.
For now, the feature is available to some beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta version for Android and iOS, but it is expected to be rolled out to more users in the coming weeks. WhatsApp users can look forward to increased privacy while making calls thanks to the privacy settings of this new app.
In recent months, the messaging platform has introduced several other features such as WhatsApp Channels, which allow users to follow their favorite influencers and celebrities.