WhatsApp’s latest update introduces a feature that allows users to toggle on “protect IP address in calls” within the settings, safeguarding their IP during calls.
When activated, calls will be routed through Meta / WhatsApp servers, effectively hiding the actual IP address.
What is an IP address? “An IP address is a unique address that identifies a device on the internet or a local network. IP stands for “Internet Protocol,” which is the set of rules governing the format of data sent via the internet or local network.”
In the blog post, WhatsApp explained that most current calling platforms establish direct peer-to-peer connections, optimising data speed and call quality but necessitating the exchange of participants’ IP addresses.
They emphasised that such information within IP addresses can concern privacy-conscious users due to its potential to reveal general location or internet provider details.
However, this heightened privacy protection comes with a caveat: WhatsApp acknowledges that enabling the new setting will impact call quality.
They highlight this trade-off in the instructions for activating the feature, stating that call relay may result in reduced call quality. Nevertheless, the company affirms that calls remain end-to-end encrypted, even when employing the new relay option.
Here’s how to enable the new Protect IP address in calls feature:
- Go to Settings
- Click Privacy
- Select Advanced
- Choose Protect IP address in calls
