Meta owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp said that users will now be able to use proxy servers to access the service in countries where the app is blocked. WhatsApp also highlights that messages sent through a proxy server will remain end-to-end encrypted.
The company says there will be servers set up by volunteers and organizations “dedicated to helping others communicate freely.” Proxy support on the app is now officially available for users with the latest version.
The messaging service said, “In case these shutdowns continue, we hope this solution helps people wherever there is a need for secure and reliable communication.” In September last year, WhatsApp had said it “will do anything” within its technical capacity to keep the service accessible and that it was not blocking Iranian phone numbers.
WhatsApp has also made a guide available for users who are 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.
A proxy server is an intermediary between users and web services and acts as a web filter that allows netizens to bypass restrictions and censorship. Users in countries such as Iran and Syria have used virtual private network (VPN) services to navigate around internet censorship.
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