WhatsApp’s Latest Feature To Enable Users Sidestep Internet Blocks

Meta-owned WhatsApp on Thursday launched the proxy support feature to help its users circumvent internet blocks like the those which happened in Iran recently.

The messaging service company has said it hopes to put the power back into its users’ hands to maintain access to WhatsApp even if their connection is blocked or disrupted.

The feature will allow the app to utilise proxy servers to access the messaging service in the countries where the app is blocked. This will, especially, help users sidestep web filters that governments across the globe use to place restrictions and censorship during heated situations.

Proxy support feature has been now rolled out for all users in WhatsApp’s latest version on iOS and Android.

Through a statement, WhatsApp assured that connecting via proxy will maintain a high level of privacy and security. It said that the personal messages would still be protected by end-to-end encryption — ensuring that they stay between people communicating and are not visible to anyone in between, not the proxy servers, WhatsApp or Meta.

“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,” said WhatsApp.

Iran had restricted access to WhatsApp as protests broke out in the country after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old, who was arrested for donning “unsuitable attire” in Tehran.