WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that will allow users to access the service through a proxy server: this will provide an alternative way to connect to WhatsApp when it is blocked by government censorship. The feature is currently available after installing the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, and Desktop!
| Common questions |
Answers |
| Name of the feature? |
Proxy |
| Status? |
Rolling out |
| Compatibility? |
The latest versions of WhatsApp for Android, iOS, and Desktop are all marked as compatible updates. |
| I’ve installed the most recent update but I don’t have this feature. Why? |
WhatsApp is currently rolling out this feature to everyone on the latest versions. If you do not yet have this feature enabled on your account, please double-check if you installed the latest version. |
| How to join your community on WhatsApp? |
WABetaInfo Community |
| Previous news? |
WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.1.25: what’s new? WhatsApp is working on a chat transfer option! |
PROXY
In September, WhatsApp announced on Twitter that the company was taking steps to protect the rights of its users to access private messaging and was working to keep the service up and running to Iranian users, despite efforts by the Iranian government to block the app. To maintain the availability of its service, the company just stated in a new blog post that it is introducing a proxy feature within WhatsApp Settings on WhatsApp beta for Android and iOS:
A proxy is a middleman that sits between your device and the Internet. When you use a proxy, your Internet requests are sent to the proxy first: the proxy then retrieves the requested information and sends it back to you. In such cases, a proxy can be particularly useful in helping users to access a service that is otherwise difficult or impossible to reach due to government censorship, as is currently the situation in Iran. Thanks to this feature, it is finally possible to connect to WhatsApp in such countries.
Proxy servers are often set up by organizations that are dedicated to helping people communicate securely. To connect to a proxy server through WhatsApp, go to Settings > Storage and Data > Proxy: if the proxy has not been blocked, a green checkmark will appear, indicating that you can now use WhatsApp through the proxy.
It is important to note that when you use a proxy to connect to WhatsApp, your messages and calls are still end-to-end encrypted: the proxy provider will not be able to see the contents of your messages or listen to your private calls, but proxy servers may be able to see your IP address, which can reveal your general geographic location. In addition, the organization that set up the proxy you choose is not affiliated with WhatsApp or Meta as they do not have a proxy of their own.
WhatsApp has announced that the ability to configure a proxy directly within the Android and iOS app is finally available. However, it is worth noting that it may take some time before this feature is enabled for use but if you’re on the latest update of the app, you should already be able to use this feature today.
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