by Jennifer Mertens
published on Friday November 10, 2023 to 06:37 •
2 min read
Good news for WhatsApp users: the messaging app is finally improving the privacy of conversations thanks to a new feature.
In the news: WhatsApp has proposed “Protect IP Address in Calls” which, as the name suggests, protects users’ IP addresses during calls.
Context: Currently, calls use a peer-to-peer connection, which allows faster data transfer but above all with the best possible audio quality. The problem is that this method provides very little protection. For example, a hacker can determine the data provider and even the geographical location of his victim. That information is passed on during a P2P call.
Details: To benefit from this protection, you must activate the feature.
- Why doesn’t WhatsApp automatically activate that extra protection? The app wants to let users make the choice themselves. Without that extra protection, they enjoy a better experience.
Specific: “Protect IP Address on Calls routes calls through WhatsApp’s servers, so others can’t see your IP address or track your general location. This new feature provides an extra level of privacy and security, especially suitable for our users who are very concerned about protecting their privacy.”
How to activate?
- The first thing you should do, of course, is check whether the app is up to date.
- Once you’ve done this, go to Settings, Privacy and then Advanced and activate the option.
Attention: Activating this setting reduces call quality. Users must therefore choose between confidentiality and call quality.
- All group conversations are sent via WhatsApp servers by default. Therefore, they were already secured. The new setting only applies to conversations between two people.
(ns)
