WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app owned by Meta, is introducing a new calling security feature called “Protect IP address in calls.” This feature is currently in beta testing, but it is expected to be rolled out to all users in the coming weeks.
The “Protect IP address in calls” feature works by rerouting calls through WhatsApp servers before they are sent to the recipient. This means that your IP address, which can be used to track your location, will not be visible to the other person on the call.
This is a significant improvement to WhatsApp’s calling security, as it makes it much more difficult for attackers to track down users and eavesdrop on their conversations. It is also a welcome addition for users who are concerned about their privacy, as it gives them more control over who can access their location information.
To enable the “Protect IP address in calls” feature, simply go to WhatsApp settings > Privacy > Calls > Protect IP address in calls and toggle the switch on. Once enabled, this feature will be applied to all of your WhatsApp calls.
It is important to note that enabling the “Protect IP address in calls” feature may result in a slight decrease in call quality. However, this trade-off is likely worth it for many users, given the increased security benefits.
WhatsApp : Why is this feature important?
There are a number of reasons why the “Protect IP address in calls” feature is important. First, it can help to protect users from location tracking. When you make a WhatsApp call without this feature enabled, your IP address is exposed to the other person on the call. This means that they could potentially use your IP address to track down your location.
Second, the “Protect IP address in calls” feature can help to protect users from call eavesdropping. If an attacker is able to intercept your WhatsApp calls, they could potentially listen to your conversations. However, if you have the “Protect IP address in calls” feature enabled, it will be much more difficult for attackers to intercept your calls.
Third, the “Protect IP address in calls” feature can help to protect users from government surveillance. In some countries, governments use IP addresses to track down and monitor their citizens. However, if you have the “Protect IP address in calls” feature enabled, it will be much more difficult for governments to track down your location and eavesdrop on your conversations.
How does the feature work?
The “Protect IP address in calls” feature works by rerouting calls through WhatsApp servers before they are sent to the recipient. This means that your IP address, which can be used to track your location, will not be visible to the other person on the call.
When you make a WhatsApp call with the “Protect IP address in calls” feature enabled, your call will be encrypted and sent to a WhatsApp server. The WhatsApp server will then decrypt the call and send it to the recipient. This process hides your IP address from the recipient, making it much more difficult for them to track down your location.
What are the benefits of using this feature?
The main benefit of using the “Protect IP address in calls” feature is that it can help to protect your privacy. By hiding your IP address from the other person on the call, you make it much more difficult for them to track down your location and eavesdrop on your conversations.
Another benefit of using this feature is that it can help to protect you from government surveillance. In some countries, governments use IP addresses to track down and monitor their citizens. However, if you have the “Protect IP address in calls” feature enabled, it will be much more difficult for governments to track down your location and eavesdrop on your conversations.
What are the drawbacks of using this feature?
The main drawback of using the “Protect IP address in calls” feature is that it may result in a slight decrease in call quality. This is because the call has to be routed through an additional server. However, this trade-off is likely worth it for many users, given the increased security benefits.
Another drawback of this feature is that it may not be available in all countries. WhatsApp is currently working to make the feature available to all users, but it is not yet known when it will be rolled out to all countries.
How to enable the feature
To enable the “Protect IP address in calls” feature, simply go to WhatsApp settings > Privacy > Calls > Protect IP address in calls and toggle the switch on. Once enabled, this feature will be applied to all of your WhatsApp calls.
Conclusion
The “Protect IP address in calls” feature is a welcome addition to WhatsApp’s security features. It can help to protect users from location tracking, call eavesdropping, and government surveillance. While the feature may result in a slight decrease in call quality, the trade-off is likely worth it for many users.