WhatsApp never stands still, and the business keeps adding new features and adjustments to enhance user experience. The newest find in an APK teardown suggests that an upcoming update could bring with it a long-overdue feature—whatsApp video call privacy with powerful security update. That would be a lifesaver for privacy enthusiasts and those who get a lot of unwanted or spam calls.
In this article, we’ll explore what this feature could mean, how it might work, and why it’s a welcome addition to WhatsApp’s growing set of privacy tools.
Table of Contents
The Growing Concern of Unwanted Video Calls
Video calls are now an integral part of regular communication, especially in remote working, online studying, and the online socializing world. Not all video calls are, however, welcome. Many users of WhatsApp have complained about receiving spam or unwanted calls from unknown numbers, arbitrary strangers, or even contacts whom they do not wish to speak with at the time, thus Whatsapp has come up with more powerful whatsApp video call privacy feature
Some common complaints include
- Spam calls from unknown numbers offering services or products.
- Random video calls from strangers in large WhatsApp groups.
- Recurring callers who don’t respect boundaries, leading to privacy concerns.
- Embarrassing moments of awkwardness while receiving an unexpected video call.
They are distinct from regular phone calls because video calls require an extra degree of preparedness and alertness. Nobody wishes to be caught unaware, especially when they are not presentable or in a place that is not suitable for a video call.
This issue has led to increasing calls for WhatsApp to introduce better controls over who can call users and when. Fortunately, it seems WhatsApp is considering this problem in its next whatsApp video call privacy update
WhatsApp’s New Feature to Block Unwanted Video Calls
An APK teardown, or a look at the app’s installation package, has revealed signs of a new privacy feature currently in development at WhatsApp. While the feature is not yet released, there is code hidden within that suggests users might soon be able to have more choices about who can start a video call with them.
How the Feature Could Work
According to what has been found, WhatsApp might introduce:
- Unknown Number Call Blocking: The users will be able to block video calls from numbers that are not stored in their address book. It would be one of the huge steps towards killing spam calls.
- Silent Video Call Notifications: Instead of ringing immediately, video calls from unknown or unwanted numbers may be silenced automatically. This will give users a notification instead of a disturbing full-screen call alert.
- Enhanced Privacy Settings: WhatsApp can add a new section under Privacy Settings to allow users to customize video call settings since they already get to control last seen, profile pictures, and online status.
- Call Approvals: WhatsApp is said to be introducing a call approval feature whereby one has to accept the call before it connects on a video call. It would work like friend requests on social networking sites, where an individual has to accept the request before an individual can call them.
These aspects would be a relief for individuals who are primarily bothered by intrusive or unwanted video calls.
Why This Feature Is Important
Privacy is at the forefront of everyone’s mind on WhatsApp. With more than billions of users worldwide, WhatsApp is vulnerable to becoming a target for spammers and telemarketers who want to take advantage of its enormous number of users. By offering users the option to block or filter video calls, the app gives individuals more control over the way they interact.
1. Less Spam and Harassment
Spam calls and video call harassment are becoming serious problems. Many users, especially women and youths, report unwanted or repeated calls from unknown individuals. This feature would greatly reduce such unwanted interactions.
2. Avoid Embarrassing Moments
Imagine this – sitting in a messy room in night clothes or simply not wanting to be visible on the camera when an unexpected video call comes. The blocking and filtering of video calls feature prevent such embarrassing moments.
3. Improved Work-Life Balance
For business professionals who utilize WhatsApp for professional purposes, this feature can help segregate professional and personal lives. No longer will they have to worry about surprise professional video calls during their free time.
How This Update Fits into WhatsApp’s Broader Privacy Agenda
4. Improved Privacy Control
WhatsApp has been releasing a series of privacy-focused updates in recent times, including:
- Disappearing Messages to enhance message security.
- Silencing Unknown Callers to enhance call privacy.
- End-to-end encryption Extension to include backups and chats.
- Online Status Control to hide online status from specific contacts.
The potential inclusion of unwanted video call protection aligns with this trend and further reinforces WhatsApp’s position on user privacy.
How to Prepare for the Update
Even though this feature is not out yet, there are preemptive steps one can take to upgrade WhatsApp privacy settings:
- Block Spam Contacts: Block whoever calls you with a video call at an unexpected time.
- Disable “Who Can See My Last Seen” for Strangers: This disables strangers from knowing your active status.
- Utilize the “Silence Unknown Callers” Feature: This existing feature can already help spam calls become minimized.
- Keep WhatsApp Updated Frequently: Make sure you’re using the latest update to get the new features once they’re introduced.
When Will This Feature Be Released?
Since the feature was discovered in an APK teardown, it is still not officially announced for release. WhatsApp usually tests new features in beta versions before rolling them out to all users. Interested individuals can enroll in the WhatsApp Beta Program on the Google Play Store or Apple TestFlight.
Based on the update cycle for WhatsApp, it could come in the coming months, although there is no word on that yet.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s introduction of the capability to block bothersome video calls is a needed improvement. Effective implementation will free users from their control, purge spam, and increase privacy. Although not ready yet, the move follows in the footsteps of WhatsApp’s overall direction toward the security and ease of users.
While we await the official announcement, it’s a good time to review your privacy settings and ensure you’re not receiving unwanted calls. Watch your inbox for further details on when this feature will become available!
