Tag: WhatsApp

  • WhatsApp Rolls Out New Privacy Feature to Conceal IP Address in Calls

    WhatsApp Rolls Out New Privacy Feature to Conceal IP Address in Calls

    WhatsApp Introduces New Privacy Feature to Hide IP Addresses During Calls

    WhatsApp, the popular encrypted messaging app, has recently introduced a new privacy feature that allows users to hide their IP addresses when making calls. This feature addresses a privacy concern that existed in the previous method of establishing one-to-one calls on WhatsApp.

    In the previous method, one-to-one calls were established as direct peer-to-peer connections between users. While this ensured optimal voice quality, it also meant that the connected devices had to expose their IP addresses to each other. This raised concerns about privacy and the potential for IP address tracking.

    To address this concern, WhatsApp has implemented a new approach. Now, all calls made on WhatsApp are routed through the company’s servers, effectively masking the users’ IP addresses and obscuring their locations. Despite this routing process, all calls remain end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that no one, including WhatsApp itself, can eavesdrop on the conversations.

    WhatsApp acknowledges that using the call relay privacy setting may slightly compromise call quality. However, for users who prioritize privacy, this feature provides an important safeguard.

    How to Hide IP Address During Calls in WhatsApp

    If you want to enable the new privacy feature and hide your IP address during calls on WhatsApp, follow these simple steps:

    1. Make sure you have updated WhatsApp to the latest version.
    2. Open WhatsApp and tap on “Settings”.
    3. Select “Privacy”.
    4. Tap on “Advanced”.
    5. Toggle on the switch next to “Protect IP address in calls”.

    It’s important to note that group calls on WhatsApp are automatically relayed through the company’s servers by default. Therefore, there is no need to enable this setting specifically for group conversations.

    With this new privacy feature, WhatsApp continues to prioritize the security and privacy of its users. By hiding IP addresses during calls, WhatsApp provides an additional layer of protection for its users’ personal information.

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  • In-App Ads on WhatsApp Are Still Being Developed, Confirms Company’s Head

    In-App Ads on WhatsApp Are Still Being Developed, Confirms Company’s Head

    WhatsApp to Introduce Ads in Status and Channels Sections

    WhatsApp, the popular messaging application, has been gaining new features and functions. Recently, it was announced that the e-mail verification feature will be added to the application. However, Meta, the owner of WhatsApp, faces a challenge as the application does not generate any revenue. Speculations have been circulating for a while that advertising will be introduced to the platform. Will Cathcart, the head of the company, has finally addressed the questions regarding the possibility of WhatsApp becoming a paid service and displaying ads. Here are the details…

    Ads Coming to WhatsApp, but Not in Chat Section

    Contrary to the rumors, WhatsApp will not become ad-supported at the moment. However, the company is taking steps towards implementing a paid model. Will Cathcart confirmed that ads will not be shown in the chat section of the application, but they are planning to introduce ads in the Status and Channels sections.

    Details about how ads will be displayed in the Channels section are still unknown. However, we can draw insights from Instagram’s implementation of ads in the Status section. Similar to the social media platform, WhatsApp users can expect to see ads in a Status format when switching between shared content. This development may be perceived as a downside for a platform that has been free to use. The question that arises now is what the future holds for WhatsApp.

    Potential for a Paid Subscription Model

    Many platforms that were once free and relied on advertising revenue have now adopted different strategies. They have started charging users a monthly fee for their services, offering additional features like an ad-free experience. YouTube and its Premium subscription can be considered as a prime example of this approach.

    Speculatively speaking, WhatsApp also has the potential to introduce a similar paid subscription model. Users would have the option to choose between an ad-supported package and a Premium package. This would provide the company with a source of revenue from each user and justify direct charges. Only time will reveal if this scenario will come into effect.

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  • WhatsApp’s Native Mac App Now Available Globally on the App Store

    WhatsApp’s Native Mac App Now Available Globally on the App Store

    WhatsApp’s Standalone App for Mac Now Available on App Store

    WhatsApp users on Mac can now rejoice as the standalone app for macOS is finally available on the App Store. This means that Mac users no longer have to go through the hassle of downloading it from the instant messaging platform’s official website.

    Earlier this year, WhatsApp released a beta version of its native app for macOS. However, users had to download it from the official website, which could potentially be confusing for some. Now, in a recent post on X, the Meta-owned platform, the app is available for all macOS users worldwide.

    Improved Usage Experience

    The new dedicated app version of WhatsApp for Mac is based on Mac Catalyst and aims to enhance the overall usage experience. It retains most of the features found in the iOS version, including audio and video calling, incoming notifications even when the app is closed, and the ability to star important messages.

    It is important to note that the native app is compatible with macOS 11.0 or later.

    Downloading and Installing WhatsApp for Mac

    To download and install the WhatsApp app for Mac, users can either visit the Mac App Store and search for “WhatsApp Messenger” or simply click on this link. Once on the app’s page, click on “Get” and then “Install.”

    After the installation is complete, open the app, and it will display a QR code. This code needs to be scanned using the WhatsApp app on the user’s smartphone. To do this, go to WhatsApp Settings, select “Linked Devices,” and then “Link a device.” From there, follow the prompts to scan the QR code displayed on the Mac app.

    With the availability of WhatsApp’s standalone app for Mac on the App Store, Mac users can now enjoy a seamless and convenient messaging experience directly from their desktops. Whether it’s chatting with friends, making audio or video calls, or staying updated with important messages, the WhatsApp app for Mac has got you covered.

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  • WhatsApp’s Email Verification: Privacy Progress or Security Risk?

    WhatsApp’s Email Verification: Privacy Progress or Security Risk?

    WhatsApp’s New Profile Verification Method via Email

    WhatsApp, a platform highly dedicated to safeguarding privacy, continues its pursuit of enhancing user experience through innovative features. Among these is the ongoing testing phase for email-based profile verification. This recent addition aims to empower users by enabling them to validate their WhatsApp accounts using their email addresses, thereby bolstering security measures and accessibility.

    Previously, users were mandated to verify their WhatsApp accounts through their phone numbers, involving the reception of a verification code via SMS for account access. However, with the introduction of email-based profile verification, users now have the flexibility of using their email addresses as an alternative method. This implies that even in instances of phone loss or number alteration, users can still retrieve their WhatsApp accounts.

    To initiate email verification, users can proceed to the "Settings" and "Account" segments within the app. Here, they can input their email addresses and activate the feature. It’s noteworthy that while email verification is being implemented, the necessity of a phone number for WhatsApp persists. The primary motive behind the email verification feature is to furnish additional security benefits and serve as a backup solution.

    While the emergence of this feature is undoubtedly intriguing, concerns have been raised regarding the security contrast between email addresses and phone numbers. SMS verification is commonly perceived as more secure than email verification by many individuals. Risks like forgetting to log out of WhatsApp on a shared device or potential compromise scenarios could pose threats to users’ WhatsApp accounts.

    User vigilance remains imperative, particularly due to scammers’ adaptability to evolving technology. Nevertheless, users can fortify the security of their email addresses by activating two-factor authentication, a measure that can help reduce the vulnerabilities inherent to email-based verification.

    Although the definitive release date for this feature remains undisclosed, its launch is anticipated in the near future. WhatsApp continues its commitment to platform enhancement by furnishing users with advanced privacy and security options. The email-based profile verification feature signifies just one of the numerous upcoming updates for users to anticipate.

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