WhatsApp has announced that users will soon be able to connect to the popular messaging service through a proxy server, an intermediary between users and web services and acts as a web filter that allow netizens to circumvent restrictions and censorship.
The announcement bodes good news for people who live in countries that are subjected to internet censorship.
Bypassing internet censorship
In a blog post, WhatsApp said the proxy support for WhatsApp is available for users all over the world.
“What this means is we’re putting the power into people’s hands to maintain access to WhatsApp if their connection is blocked or disrupted.”
For those unfamiliar, a proxy works as a third layer between the user and the internet and can be used to ensure better security and privacy when browsing the web.
Privacy
The Meta owned company said connecting via proxy maintains the high level of privacy and security that the platform 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.”
Blocked access
The announcement comes after Iran’s local government blocked access to both WhatsApp and Instagram last year, as both platforms had been used by protesters to share news about human rights violations.
“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.
WhatsApp guide
WhatsApp has also made a guide available for users interested in creating their own proxy server for friends and family.
Users will be able to find the new option by going into the Storage and Date settings within WhatsApp.
The Proxy server support is being rolled out for iPhone and Android users across the globe.
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