The protests in Iran have prompted WhatsApp to introduce a new feature. In a recent blog post, the messenger service announces the introduction of proxy support that will allow users to bypass blocks on the service. This is intended to strengthen freedom of expression and communication not only in Iran but worldwide.
WhatsApp announces proxy support
Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp at Meta, expressly refers in a tweet to the political situation in Iran and the right of all people to communicate freely and privately with one another.
While many of us celebrated by texting our loved ones in WA, there are millions of people in Iran and elsewhere who continue to be denied the right to communicate freely and privately.
That's why today we're making it easier for everyone to connect to WA via a proxy.
Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp at Meta
To combat these politically motivated and rights-restricting blocks, WhatsApp is now offering WhatsApp proxy support to users worldwide. This allows users to have access to WhatsApp even if the connection is interrupted or blocked.
WhatsApp views internet blocks, as has been observed in Iran for some time, as clear human rights violations. This also prevents people from getting help in urgent emergencies. With the proxy solution, WhatsApp hopes to be able to support people who do not have a secure and reliable connection via WhatsApp.
While some of us have celebrated the start of 2023 by exchanging private messages and calls, we recognize that many other people continue to be denied the opportunity to connect with their loved ones due to internet closures.
Whatsapp
Proxy support overcomes internet blocks
With a proxy, WhatsApp can be used through servers set up by volunteers and organizations around the world so that users can communicate freely without hindrance.
Proxy servers work on the principle “many roads lead to Rome.” If the direct route to a desired URL is blocked, for example by a restrictive regime, proxy servers serve as a stopover for redirected data traffic to the blocked address. Since many such servers can be used and their addresses sometimes change dynamically, it is no longer realistic to prevent users from accessing the desired service, in this case WhatsApp. A block would only be possible if the entire Internet was shut down, but that would probably be too big a step even for dictatorships.
Data protection should be guaranteed
Even if a proxy server is used, the level of data protection that WhatsApp offers its users and is described as high by the platform itself should not change. Private messages are still protected by end-to-end encryption. This means that no one other than the two people communicating can access the conversation. The proxy server itself, WhatsApp or Meta would also have no access to the content of the communication.
The new option is now available in the Settings menu and the Storage and Data submenu for every user with the latest WhatsApp version. Further information on how to use this function can be found here.

Set up a proxy server as a helper
This support for people cut off from WhatsApp to communicate freely requires supporters to set up one of the proxy servers through which the data stream can be redirected so that those affected can access WhatsApp again and communicate freely and securely.
To allow people to connect to WhatsApp, anyone can set up a proxy . To do this, a server with ports 80, 443 or 5222 and a domain name (or subdomain) should be used and the IP address of the server should be pointed there. Detailed instructions and the source code can be found GitHub These addresses can then be shared privately with users who cannot connect directly to WhatsApp.
Signal did it
As honorable as WhatsApp's attempt to help the people of Iran is, another platform was faster. Shortly after the protests broke out, the messenger service Signal provided assistance on how people affected by internet blocks could continue to have access to Signal and exchange messages via proxy servers. However, Signal is a significantly smaller messaging service in Iran compared to WhatsApp. WhatsApp's current move will now enable many more people in Iran to circumvent the blockades.
Sources:
WhatsApp blog , FAQ , Heise
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