New Delhi: WhatsApp has announced the worldwide introduction of a new proxy feature that allows volunteers and organizations to set up a proxy server for WhatsApp. It will allow them to communicate freely and privately through the popular messaging app even though the country or government has blocked the app.
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Proxy servers created by volunteers and organizations will allow communication with each other despite the blanket ban of WhatsApp servers in the region or country.
“We make it easy for anyone to connect to WhatsApp using a proxy. So when a connection to WhatsApp is blocked, people have the ability to regain access,” said Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp.
“Your personal messages will remain protected with end-to-end encryption – ensuring that they remain between you and the person you’re communicating with and are not visible to anyone in between, not proxy servers, WhatsApp or Meta,” he said in a blog post.
“We make it easy for anyone to connect to WhatsApp using a proxy. So when a connection to WhatsApp is blocked, people have the ability to regain access,” said Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp.
The company said that connecting through a proxy maintains the high level of privacy and security offered by WhatsApp.
How to use a WhatsApp proxy on Android and iOS
Those who have the latest version of the app can create a proxy server via WhatsApp.
Step 1: Go to WhatsApp and open Settings.
Step 2: Tap on Storage & Data, then go to Proxies and use Proxy.
Step 3: Select “Proxy Setup” and enter the proxy address.
Step 4: Hit “Save” once you’re done.
Step 5: You will see a green check once it is set up.
You should use Proxy server only when you are unable to connect to WhatsApp as the creator IP address will be visible. WhatsApp says that the proxy does not affect the privacy of the users as private messages cannot be accessed by the proxy or Meta because these messages will be end-to-end encrypted.