Internet Blackouts — Instant messaging service provider WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, is allowing its users to connect via proxy servers. This way, users can stay online even if the internet is blocked or disrupted by shutdowns.
The company hopes that such blackouts, like the ones that occurred in Iran, will not happen again, as they were a violation of human rights and cut people off from receiving crucial help. WhatsApp is encouraging its worldwide community to volunteer as proxies to help people communicate freely and is offering guidance on how to set up a proxy server.
It started in a blog post that connecting through a proxy server maintains the same high level of privacy and security that WhatsApp provides. The company also emphasized that personal messages will remain protected by end-to-end encryption, ensuring they stay between the sender and the receiver and are not visible to anyone in between, not even to the proxy servers, WhatsApp, or Meta.
Juras Juršėnas, from proxy and online data collection company Oxylabs, said that for people with government restrictions on internet access, using a proxy server can allow them to retain their connection to WhatsApp and the rest of the uncensored internet, and it will allow people around the world to stay connected even if their internet access is blocked by malicious actors.
In addition to providing a solution for internet blackouts and shutdowns, the use of proxy servers also helps users bypass government censorship and access blocked websites. This can be especially useful for individuals living in countries where certain websites or social media platforms are restricted or banned. Using a proxy server allows users to access these blocked sites by routing their internet connection through a server located in a different country, where the restrictions do not apply.
WhatsApp’s move to encourage the use of proxy servers is also a response to increasing concerns about online privacy and security. As the use of the internet continues to expand, governments and other actors are increasingly attempting to monitor and control online activity. By providing its users with the ability to connect via proxy servers, WhatsApp is giving them an added layer of protection and a means to maintain their online freedom.
It is worth noting that while the use of proxy servers can help users bypass government restrictions, it is also possible that the act of using one could be considered illegal in certain countries. Hence, It’s always crucial to check and make sure it is legal in your area before using one. However, it’s a commendable move from WhatsApp to provide users with the tools to protect their online privacy and security at a time when it’s needed more than ever.
