The messaging app has just announced the launch of a proxy server service so that WhatsApp users around the world can continue to use the app when their internet access is down.
WhatsApp begins the year 2023 with an important initiative. The messaging application took advantage of the presentation of its vows to announce the launch of a proxy server service.
” […] Today we are launching a proxy server service for people using WhatsApp around the world. We thus allow everyone to access WhatsApp, even in the event of a loss of Internet access. “says WhatsApp in its official press release.
The purpose of the operation is to allow users residing in countries practicing censorship to continue to use WhatsApp even when the application is blocked locally by government authorities or when their Internet connection is limited.
We continue to fight for your right to communicate freely and privately.
Now, when connecting to WhatsApp directly is not possible, you can stay connected around the world through a server set up by volunteers and organizations dedicated to helping others communicate freely.
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 5, 2023
WhatsApp proxy available on Github
To ensure that as many volunteers as possible set up a WhatsApp proxy around the world, WhatsApp has created a repository on Github containing everything needed to create this proxy. Volunteers who would like to embark on the adventure will need a server with ports 80, 443 or 5222 open as well as a domain name or subdomain pointing to the IP address of the server. They will then have to share these addresses privately to allow users residing in countries adept at censorship to continue to communicate freely.
WhatsApp specifies that the use of its messaging through a proxy does not change the confidentiality and security of the messages sent. The missives remain protected by end-to-end encryption, effectively preventing anyone from being able to access their content.
An option already integrated in the application settings
Censored WhatsApp users can already choose to connect the app to a proxy server. WhatsApp has already integrated it into the settings menu of its application.
The procedure to follow, which is not completely identical depending on whether you use WhatsApp on Android or iOS, is detailed in this support page whatsapp online. To take advantage of it, it will nevertheless be necessary to ensure that you use the latest update of the application.
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