- WhatsApp has enabled the ability to connect to its servers via a proxy.
- The firm has provided all the software needed to set up a proxy server for folks to access.
- WhatsApp hopes that internet shutdowns don’t occur but the ability to set up a proxy will help where that isn’t exactly possible.
Last week, Meta’s WhatsApp released a new feature that allows users to work around internet restrictions in their country.
That feature is the ability to connect to WhatsApp servers via proxy servers that anybody can set up for free.
“Connecting via proxy maintains the high level of privacy and security that WhatsApp 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,” the firm wrote in a blog post.
In order to set up a proxy server you will need a system to act as the server as well as Docker and Docker Compose.
You can find all the files you will need as well as a guide on how to set the server up over on WhatsApp’s GitHub page.
Users can also find a list of available proxies here. That having been said, WhatsApp says that proxy operators should consider sharing addresses privately with those who need it.
Internet shutdowns saw an increase between 2020 and 2021 according to Access Now. During that period, the number of shutdowns documented rose from 159 across 29 countries to 182 across 34 countries.
WhatsApp specifically points to a shutdown in Iran which has continued for months. The Iranian government has restricted internet access since September following mass protests in the country and government opposition in the country.
In order to use a proxy to access WhatsApp head to your Settings menu, tap Storage and data and then scroll to find the Proxy option. Enable the feature and select the proxy you want to use and you should be able to connect to the internet.
While a shutdown has never happened in South Africa before it’s good to know that there are ways to get around one should it ever happen.
