WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called ‘Protect IP address in calls’ aimed at enhancing user privacy during voice calls. This feature allows users to opt in to prevent their IP addresses from being exposed when making calls. Instead of a direct connection between callers, WhatsApp will route the calls through its servers, thereby masking users’ IP addresses. The company emphasizes that this feature is optional and tailored for those who prioritize their privacy.
In a detailed post on their engineering blog, engineers from Meta explained that this new setting alters the way calls are made between users on the platform. Traditionally, WhatsApp facilitates peer-to-peer connectivity, which typically allows both parties to view each other’s IP addresses.
IP addresses can reveal users’ approximate locations and other details such as their Internet service provider, information that many individuals might prefer to keep private, especially from unknown contacts on the app.
To ensure user anonymity, WhatsApp will now relay all calls through its servers, providing an additional layer of privacy protection. Users who choose this feature may experience a slight decline in call quality because of the server routing. Nonetheless, WhatsApp assures users that these conversations will remain end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that only the participants can hear them.
The addition of this feature is directed towards users who are particularly concerned about their privacy, but all users on iOS and Android will have the option to enable it. Here’s how to activate the ‘Protect IP address in calls’ feature on your device.
How to enable the ‘Protect IP address in calls’ feature on WhatsApp
-
Download the latest version of WhatsApp from the App Store or Google Play Store.
-
Open the WhatsApp settings menu and select Privacy.
-
Scroll down and select Advanced.
-
Toggle the switch for Protect IP address in calls to activate the new privacy feature.
