WhatsApp allows its users to connect to the app through “proxy servers” – intermediary gateways between users and web servers that allow them to get online.
Starting today, WhatsApp users worldwide can go to the app’s settings to enter the name of a proxy server and use it to access the internet.
Proxy servers act as alternate gateways between a user and the Internet when traditional connection methods and servers have been shut down or cut off.
Allowing WhatsApp users to connect to proxy servers helps users connect in the event of an internet shutdown, as recently observed in Iran.
WhatsApp, for the first time, allows users to connect to the messaging app through proxy servers so users can stay online even when the internet is down or blocked
Proxy servers are intermediary gateways between users and web servers that allow them to get online
What are proxy servers?
A proxy server is an “online intermediary” that acts as a gateway between you and the Internet.
It is an intermediary server that separates end users from the websites they browse and can take the form of hardware or software.
Proxy servers act as a bridge on the Internet when you don’t want to (or can’t) connect to websites directly.
Such proxies can potentially improve security and privacy, and help bypass content filters and geoblocks.
Proxy servers are often set up by volunteers and organizations dedicated to helping people communicate freely.
Source: Varonis/Malwarebytes
Internet shutdowns are deliberate disruptions to Internet access and digital communications, often carried out by governments to silence dissidents online.
Following nationwide protests over the killing of Mahsa Amini in September, the Iranian government used the internet shutdown to halt online access.
WhatsApp, which is owned by Mark Zuckerberg’s company Meta, said in a blog post that many people are being denied the ability to reach loved ones because of these shutdowns.
“Our wish for 2023 is that these internet shutdowns never happen,” WhatsApp said in the post.
“Disruptions like the ones we’ve been witnessing in Iran for months are denying people’s human rights and preventing people from receiving urgent assistance.
“However, should these shutdowns continue, we hope this solution will help people wherever secure and reliable communications are needed.”
Users need to go to Settings and tap “Storage and Data” followed by “Proxy Settings” to turn on the option and enter a proxy server address.
Once validated, it establishes the necessary connection between the user and the website or service they wish to access.
According to WhatsApp, many proxy servers are set up by volunteers and organizations around the world to allow people to communicate freely.
Despite this, a webpage was created to guide everyday users to set up a proxy server and help others connect.
The option to connect to a proxy server – is now available in the settings menu for everyone using the latest version of WhatsApp
Connect to a proxy server on WhatsApp
– Go to WhatsApp settings
– Tap on “Storage and data” and then on “Proxy settings”.
– Turn on the option, enter the address of a proxy server and tap Save
Even with proxy servers, messages on WhatsApp are still protected by a security standard called end-to-end encryption.
End-to-end encryption ensures that only the two participants in a chat can read messages and nobody in between – not even the company that owns the service.
WhatsApp, which was bought by Zuckerberg’s company for about $19 billion in 2014, says every private message sent using WhatsApp is secured with end-to-end encryption by default.
Despite this, end-to-end encryption is not a standard on other meta-platforms.
Facebook, for example, only started testing end-to-end encryption by default in the Messenger app last year.
“Connecting through a proxy ensures the same high level of privacy and security that WhatsApp offers,” WhatsApp said.
“Your personal messages are still protected with end-to-end encryption – ensuring they stay between you and the person you’re communicating with and not visible to anyone in between, not the proxy servers, WhatsApp or Meta.”
WhatsApp regularly introduces new features and tools to the app to improve the user experience.
The feature in WhatsApp settings allows users to enter the name of a proxy server and use it to connect to the internet (file photo).
Last month it started allowing users to preview their voice messages before sending them to avoid nasty mistakes or having to re-record notes.
It also started by allowing users to create personalized avatars on the platform, which has more than 2 billion users worldwide.
These avatars mean users can create a digital version of themselves from billions of combinations of “different hairstyles, facial features, and outfits.”
The avatars can be used as a profile picture or sent in the form of one of 36 individual stickers reflecting different emotions and actions.
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WhatsApp introduces the community feature to bundle group chats
A WhatsApp feature that allows users to bundle multiple group chats under a single topic and share updates across all has gone live in the UK.
With the community feature, users can organize different group chats under a single main topic, for example, their children’s school or the street they live on.
Community admins can then share messages with people in all groups.
The feature is rolling out as part of an update that will also allow users to create and participate in polls using their chats.
New features introduced included the ability to create polls within a chat. (Meta)
In addition, group video calls will now support up to 32 participants.
“With Communities, we aim to raise the bar for how businesses communicate, with a level of privacy and security found nowhere else,” WhatsApp said in a blog post announcing the launch would.
“The alternatives available today require apps or software companies to be trusted with a copy of their messages – and we believe they deserve the higher level of security of end-to-end encryption.
“Once you’re in a community, you can easily switch between available groups to get the information you need when you need it, and admins can send important updates to everyone in the community.”
Mark Zuckerberg, the head of WhatsApp’s parent company Meta, said the feature “improves groups by allowing for subgroups, multiple threads, announcement channels and more.”
“We’re also rolling out polls and 32-person video calls, all secured with end-to-end encryption to keep your messages private,” he added.