WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called “protect IP address in calls” that shields your IP address from the person on the other side of the call. When activated, calls will be relayed through WhatsApp servers, thus concealing your true IP address. This feature is especially useful for privacy-conscious users who are mindful of the information that IP addresses may contain, such as broad geographical location or internet provider.
However, this enhanced privacy comes at a cost. WhatsApp notes that the new setting “will reduce call quality”. The company also emphasizes that calls are always end-to-end encrypted, even when the new relay option is being used.
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In addition to this feature, WhatsApp has also introduced an option to silence unknown callers, which prevents spam disturbances and shuts down a vector for complex cybersecurity attacks.
WhatsApp’s blog post emphasizes that protecting user privacy and security is essential for the company to accomplish its mission of enabling private communication for the world. These new security features combine with many other protections to keep people safe on WhatsApp.
To access this setting:
- Tap Settings, then Privacy.
- Tap Advanced
- Turn Protect IP address in calls on or off.