WhatsApp Introduces New Security Measure to Shield Your IP Address

WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app owned by Meta, is actively working on new security features to improve user privacy. The app now widely implements a new privacy feature that protects the IP address in calls.

“After installing the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.23.1.70 update from TestFlight and certain previous updates to the app, we noticed that WhatsApp enables the ability to protect the IP address during a call,” WABetaInfo reported.

A new Advanced Settings section has been introduced in the WhatsApp Privacy Settings screen. This section includes a new “protect IP address on calls” option that ensures a more secure experience during voice and video calls.

Enabling this feature improves your privacy by implementing more effective measures to prevent other call recipients from determining your location and IP address.

In fact, calls made on your device are securely routed through WhatsApp servers, providing an extra layer of security. Even with this feature enabled, your calls will remain end-to-end encrypted, according to the report.

The report suggested that this feature offers advantages, especially in situations with unknown contacts where you should prioritize your privacy.

“The introduction of the new Privacy Call Forwarding option definitely gives users more anonymity in their communications, which we think is especially useful when you’re interacting with people you haven’t yet established trust with. However, it’s worth mentioning that call quality may be slightly degraded in order to maintain this higher level of security and your privacy to secure,” WABetaInfo said.

The new privacy feature, designed to protect IP addresses during calls, is currently available to select beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp beta updates for iOS via the TestFlight app. It will gradually become available to more people in the coming days/