WhatsApp is introducing an important security feature that allows users to turn off their phone’s camera before receiving a video call.
This upcoming feature, named ‘Turn off your video,’ was discovered by Android Authority in the APK teardown of the WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.25.7.3.
The feature aims to enhance user security and prevent scams through WhatsApp video calls.
Answer Calls in Voice-Only Mode
With this new feature, users will have the option to disable their camera before accepting a video call, allowing them to answer in voice-only mode.
If the camera is already off, WhatsApp may display the option ‘Accept without video.’
During the call, users can choose to enable their camera using the ‘Turn on your video’ option.
Protection Against Digital Scams
This feature also helps protect users from digital scams, where cybercriminals make video calls to display inappropriate content and capture screenshots.
These screenshots are then used to blackmail the victim. By allowing users to keep their cameras off, WhatsApp aims to safeguard its users from such threats.
Currently, WhatsApp users can only turn off their video after a call has started. The new feature is similar to options available on platforms like Google Meet
and Microsoft Teams, where participants can join meetings without enabling their cameras initially.
