WhatsApp announce that it is bringing proxy support to the popular encrypt messaging service. Users around the world will be able to continue using WhatsApp even if their connection to the servers is block or disrupte.
Using a proxy allows users to connect to WhatsApp via servers set up by volunteers and organisations all over the world who are dedicate to allowing people to communicate freely.
According to WhatsApp, connecting via proxy retains the same level of privacy and security as the app, and personal messages are still secure by end-to-end encryption.
The news comes after Iran’s local government block access to WhatsApp and Instagram in 2022 after protesters used both platforms to disseminate information about violations of human rights in the country.
WhatsApp says it is working to ensure that “these internet shutdowns never occur.“
WhatsApp wrote in a blog post :
“Our wish for 2023 is that these internet shutdowns never occur,”.
“Disruptions like we’ve seen in Iran for months on end deny people’s human rights and cut people off from receiving urgent help. Though in case these shutdowns continue, we hope this solution helps people wherever there is a need for secure and reliable communication.”
You can find a guide for users interest in creating their own proxy server for friends and family.
You will be able to find the new option by going into the Storage and Date settings within WhatsApp.
Proxy server support is now being roll out for iPhone and Android users, so make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
The Meta claims that messages will not be viewable to anyone in the middle, including proxy servers, WhatsApp, and parent firm Meta.
For all users who have install the most recent version of the app, the new option is available in the settings menu.
According to WhatsApp, if one has internet access, one can browse social media or search engines for reliable sources that have set up a proxy.
How to Link to a Proxy?
Follow These Steps :
- Go to WhatsApp settings
- Tap Storage and Data
- Select Proxy.
- Then, tap Use Proxy
- Fill in the proxy address
- Select Save to connect to the service.
A checkmark will appear if the connection is successful.
If you still unable to send or receive WhatsApp messages while using a proxy, it is possible that the proxy has block.
Then you can try again with a different proxy address in this scenario.
WhatsApp says that using a third-party proxy will reveal the user’s IP address to the proxy provider.
