WhatsApp has added a new feature that lets users hide their IP address on calls. The Meta-owned messaging app says this feature can bring an additional layer of privacy to user’s calls.
Any Internet-connected device gets a unique string of numbers dubbed as IP addresses. By tracking a user’s IP address, the bad actors can reveal a person’s location and see any online activity. WhatsApp’s latest feature could potentially prevent bad actors from following your traces online and stealing your data.
WhatsApp added the feature works by relaying all calls through the app’s servers. This means the other side of a call can’t see your IP address. As for the group calls, they’re already relayed through WhatsApp’s servers. The app further said all calls are end-to-end encrypted, though users might experience lower call quality due to relaying.
To activate the IP hiding feature on WhatsApp, go to Settings, then Privacy. Tap Advanced, and turn Protect IP address in calls on or off.
This new feature is an excellent addition for individuals who cherish their privacy and wish to guarantee the security of their chats. The ability to conceal one’s IP address while on a WhatsApp call enhances the safety of users’ online interactions, whether for business or personal purposes.
It is crucial to remember that this new feature is not a foolproof solution, even though it is a positive move for WhatsApp’s security and privacy. Users should not share their private data with strangers and still be cautious about who they connect with.
The latest additions to Meta-owned apps are mostly focused on privacy. WhatsApp has recently been spotted working on email verification, though the app’s plans for showing ads to users are also in the works. To double down on privacy, Instagram also wants to let users turn off direct message read receipts.
