Here’s how you can bypass internet blocks
Since the beginning of 2023, WhatsApp users have had the option of redirecting their data traffic abroad. To bypass Internet blocks, the meta messenger offers worldwide proxy support. However, this is not a panacea against online censorship.
Authoritarian regimes use Internet blocks to suppress the communication and organization of demonstrations and protests on the Internet. As a result, many people are denied the opportunity to connect with friends and family.
In the course of the protests in Iran, for example, the mullah regime has been trying for months to block communication on the Internet, ultimately violating human rights. The Iranian government even threatened WhatsApp parent company Meta with a permanent blockade.
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WhatsApp: How to set up a proxy server
Despite the internet blockades in Iran, WhatsApp still plays an important role. The developers of the messenger now also presented one official answer to the threats of the mullahs’ government. WhatsApp users now have the option of redirecting their data traffic abroad using a proxy server.
This means users can still access Messenger even if the connection is blocked or dropped. Because a proxy makes it possible to use WhatsApp via servers abroad that volunteers and organizations around the world have set up.
Proxy server: No panacea against online censorship
With the WhatsApp proxy, users should be able to communicate freely without hindrance. Meanwhile, the messenger assures that the setting of a proxy server would not change the level of data protection. Private messages and content are still protected by end-to-end encryption.
Neither outsiders nor the operators of the servers or WhatsApp itself would be able to access the communication. The function makes it difficult for authoritarian regimes to set up Internet blocks.
However, this is still possible, especially since WhatsApp itself does not provide any servers. It therefore remains to be seen whether the servers run by volunteers will be sufficient to enable millions of oppressed people to communicate freely.
Here’s how you can set a proxy server on WhatsApp
However, the meta messenger provides the necessary software to set up a proxy server on WhatsApp for free. The corresponding function can be found in the menu under “Settings”. This applies to both Android, iOS and the WhatsApp web and desktop versions.
In the settings you then click on the tab “Storage and data” and then select the sub-item “Proxy”. The “Use proxy” function can be activated there using a slider. To establish a connection, you must enter the address of a corresponding server and confirm with “Save”. A green tick indicates a successful connection.
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