Key Highlights
- “Protect IP Address in Calls” is a new setting on WhatsApp that helps hide your location from other parties on the call.
- “Silence Unknown Callers” is a new setting on WhatsApp that not only quiets annoying calls but also blocks sophisticated cyber attacks.
WhatsApp has introduced two new privacy-focused features to help protect users’ information and prevent spam calls, according to a recent blog post. The features include the option to “protect IP address in calls” and the ability to silence unknown callers.
Protecting IP Addresses During Calls
The “protect IP address in calls” setting allows users to hide their IP address from the person they are calling. As explained in the blog post, “Most calling products people use today have peer-to-peer connections between participants. This direct connection allows for faster data transfers and better call quality, but it also means that participants need to know each other’s IP addresses.”
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IP addresses can reveal information like general location and internet provider. The new option routes calls through WhatsApp servers instead of directly between users. This prevents the other caller from seeing your IP address.
To enable the new Protect IP address in calls feature, you’ll need to go through the following steps inside the WhatsApp app:
- Tap Settings
- Go to Privacy
- Select Advanced
- Tap Protect IP address in calls
However, WhatsApp notes that using this feature may reduce call quality since it is no longer a direct peer-to-peer connection. Calls will remain end-to-end encrypted.
Silencing Calls from Unknown Numbers
WhatsApp has also introduced the ability to silence calls from numbers not in your contacts list. This aims to reduce disruptions from spam calls and guard against potential cyberattacks through voice calls.
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Users have long been able to block unknown senders in messaging. This new setting applies the same idea to voice calls for more control over incoming communications.
Prioritizing User Privacy
As stated in the blog post, “Protecting user privacy and security is absolutely necessary for WhatsApp to accomplish its mission to enable private communication for the world.”
These latest features build on WhatsApp’s existing security protections, like end-to-end encryption. They give users more options to prevent revealing personal information and avoid unwanted interactions.
The “protect IP address” and silence unknown callers settings can be enabled in WhatsApp’s privacy settings. They underscore WhatsApp’s commitment to giving users greater privacy over their communications and data.
