WhatsApp introduces a new feature to hide IP address during calls for enhanced security

Meta has recently announced a new feature for WhatsApp, "protect IP address in calls," that allows users to hide their IP addresses during calls for increased security. This feature can be accessed in WhatsApp's settings and operates by routing calls through Meta/WhatsApp servers, thereby concealing the user's actual IP address.

This is designed to enhance user privacy as IP addresses can expose sensitive data like a user's location or internet provider. However, WhatsApp has acknowledged that this process might slightly degrade call quality. The new feature deviates from the conventional peer-to-peer connection method used by most calling applications, which often requires users to share their IP addresses, potentially risking their privacy. Despite this change, WhatsApp ensures that calls will remain end-to-end encrypted, maintaining a high security standard.

Alongside the IP protection feature, WhatsApp has also rolled out an option to silence calls from unknown numbers, a feature initially announced in June.