You can now make audio and video calls on X (formerly Twitter). By default, these calls use a peer-to-peer connection like on WhatsApp. This type of connection carries a risk: that of exposing your IP address and, by extension, other sensitive information. We tell you how to avoid this.
In one of its recent developments, the social network X introduced audio and video calls. If you are a regular user of Elon Musk’s toy, you can now have telephone conversations with your contacts directly from the application.
This is not a very natural feature for this type of social network, but if you happen to use it, be aware that it involves a certain number of risks. First of all, calls on X are not end-to-end encryptedunlike what WhatsApp has been offering for several years now, despite the doubts that may remain.
But one thing is certain: both applications use a particular type of connection between users. This is the peer-to-peer connection of which the main risk is exposing your IP address.
Any user with relatively simple knowledge could use it to retrieve information about you, such as your geographic location, your ISP and other sensitive data.
Peer-to-peer calls: what does it mean?
It is a type of binding that allows users to communicate directly without going through an intermediary server. In other words, every device in a network peer-to-peer (in English peer-to-peer or P2P) is both client and server. This is a type of connection that fans of file sharing, in this case torrent-type downloads, are familiar with.
Typically, when you send messages through a messaging app, those messages pass through an intermediary server before reaching the recipient. When it comes to calls, however, most applications like WhatsApp and X (Twitter) use a direct P2P connection. This method has the advantage of offering better quality callswith less noticeable latencies.
The other side of the coin are the consequences that we presented to you above. The risk is even greater if you do not block unwanted calls, i.e. those from unknown people.
How to protect your IP address when calling on X and WhatsApp?
Method 1: Disable peer-to-peer calls
For users who are particularly particular about issues of privacy and personal data protection, WhatsApp and X allow you to protect your IP address during calls. Just disable P2P. In doing so, your calls will be relayed via intermediary servers, which automatically protects your IP address.
On Whatsapp :
- Press the three dots at the top, right then press Settings if you use Android. On iPhone, press hard Settings in the lower right corner of the WhatsApp interface.
- Go to Confidentiality then press advanced settings totally down.
- Enable the option Protect IP address during calls.
On X (Twitter):
- Tap your profile picture at the top left.
- Select Settings and privacy Then Privacy and Security.
- Go to Private Messages.
- Towards the bottom, enable the option Improved call privacy.
- Note that on this same page you can choose who can call you or not.
Method 2: Use a VPN
If you want to protect your IP address while still being able to make peer-to-peer calls, the other method is to use a VPN. Note that even though WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted, this does not protect your IP address which remains accessible in a direct connection during calls.
By using a credible VPN like NordVPN, you add a second layer of protection. Additionally, this type of application allows you to use a borrowed IP address on the Internet. Your real address is thus protected.