WhatsApp makes it possible to ‘protect IP address’ during calls

WhatsApp is releasing an option called ‘Protect IP addresses in calls’, which will prevent IP addresses from being exchanged between two calling users. In fact, the user disables peer-to-peer connections and all conversations go through WhatsApp servers.

In a blog post WhatsApp explains that calls always go through the service’s servers when the new setting is enabled. On a support page the service adds: “If you use call forwarding, call quality may be reduced. Your calls in WhatsApp are, as always, end-to-end encrypted.” The option can be found in the settings under ‘Privacy’. The ‘Advanced’ option has been added at the bottom, where the relevant setting can be enabled.

When users normally call each other, a peer-to-peer connection can be made, whereby IP addresses must be exchanged to make a connection. Such a direct connection ensures good sound quality, but can be seen as an invasion of privacy for some. By rerouting the connection, the two callers’ devices do not connect directly to each other. This already happens as standard under certain network conditions.