WhatsApp may soon let users disable camera before answering video calls

Popular messaging platform WhatsApp is reportedly working on a significant update that promises to give users more control over their video calls, especially regarding privacy. As WhatsApp’s video call feature continues to grow in popularity for both personal and professional use, supporting group calls with up to 32 participants, the platform is now testing a new feature that will allow users to join video calls without enabling their camera.

According to a report from Android Authority, this feature is being tested in the WhatsApp beta version (2.25.7.3 for Android). With this update, users will see the option to "Turn off your video" when receiving an incoming WhatsApp video call, making it voice-only before accepting the call. Currently, users can only disable the video after answering the call. This WhatsApp update adds more flexibility and enhances privacy by providing users with the ability to make calls without their camera being activated. The new feature is designed to provide extra video call privacy, especially when receiving calls from unknown numbers. WhatsApp currently automatically opens to the front camera when receiving video calls, giving users a preview of their camera.

Boosting privacy with video calls

With this update, users will be able to disable the camera before accepting the call, adding an additional layer of privacy protection. This is particularly important in scenarios where users may not be prepared to appear on camera or wish to avoid engaging in WhatsApp video calls from unfamiliar contacts.

Additionally, this update will be useful in situations where users cannot turn on their camera. WhatsApp already allows users to silence calls from unknown numbers, offering a way to avoid interruptions while still keeping track of missed calls. This ensures that users can avoid unwanted interactions while maintaining their WhatsApp privacy.

The new WhatsApp feature comes in the wake of concerns about scams in India, where criminals have exploited WhatsApp video calls to blackmail victims by capturing their faces during calls and demanding ransom. With this added privacy feature, users will be able to avoid these kinds of scams and have better control over their video interactions.

While the exact rollout timeline is still unclear, Meta is expected to introduce this WhatsApp update in the coming months, further strengthening its focus on privacy and user security.