14 DAY TRIAL // WhatsApp is getting another major update, as the parent company has decided to implement proxy support in the messaging app.
Available on both iPhone and Android, the proxy support essentially allows users to run the app even in those countries where WhatsApp is blocked.
In other words, it’s an integrated way to bypass censorship, with WhatsApp explaining that volunteers and organizations out there will be able to help by setting up their own servers that can then be enabled in the app.
Furthermore, WhatsApp is also offering guidance to organizations that want to create proxy servers specifically to help bypass censorship.
“Choosing a proxy enables you to connect to WhatsApp through servers set up by volunteers and organizations around the world dedicated to helping people communicate freely,” WhatsApp explains in the official announcement.
One of the best things about the proxy support in WhatsApp is that the end-to-end encryption isn’t going to be impacted. This means the privacy and security of all users aren’t going to be compromised when a proxy is configured in WhatsApp.
“Connecting via proxy maintains the high level of privacy and security that WhatsApp provides. Your personal messages will still be protected by end-to-end encryption — ensuring they stay between you and the person you’re communicating with and are not visible to anyone in between, not the proxy servers, WhatsApp, or Meta,” WhatsApp explains.
The parent company also notes that its decision to introduce proxy support in WhatsApp comes after the shutdowns that happened in various places of the world, including in Iran.
“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,” WhatsApp said.