It’s marking a significant victory for those who prioritize privacy.
The ability to hide one’s IP address is crucial as an IP address can disclose sensitive information such as location and internet service provider. This feature enhances privacy and is designed to cater to users who are particularly conscious of safeguarding their personal information. In a blog post, WhatsApp expressed that this addition provides an extra layer of privacy and security for their most privacy-focused users.
Currently, WhatsApp routes calls through its servers or establishes a direct peer-to-peer connection based on network conditions. While peer-to-peer calls often offer superior voice quality, they necessitate both devices to be aware of each other’s IP addresses.
Upon activating the new feature, named “Protect IP address in calls,” WhatsApp will consistently route calls through its own servers instead of relying on a peer-to-peer connection. This applies even if it results in a minor reduction in sound quality. Importantly, all calls will maintain end-to-end encryption, ensuring security even when passing through WhatsApp’s servers.
In recent months, WhatsApp has been actively incorporating additional privacy features. In June, the company introduced a function allowing users to automatically mute calls from unknown numbers. Additionally, a “Privacy Checkup” section was implemented, enabling users to manage various privacy settings conveniently within the app. Earlier in the year, WhatsApp also introduced a feature enabling users to secure specific chats with either fingerprint or facial recognition.