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WhatsApp Beta Adds Toggle to Disable Link Previews and Protect IP Addresses

This update addresses privacy concerns by letting users stop automatic link previews from exposing their IP addresses.

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Overview

  • Version 24.7.10.76 for iOS and 2.24.8.11 for Android now include a “Linkvorschau deaktivieren” switch under Privacy settings.
  • Disabling link previews prevents devices from fetching website content directly and blocks unintended transmission of users’ IP addresses.
  • The existing “IP-Adresse in Anrufen schützen” feature continues to route voice calls through proxy servers to conceal callers’ IP details.
  • Messaging apps like Slack and Facebook Messenger have long used proxies for link previews, and WhatsApp’s new option closes that privacy gap.
  • Experts recommend activating the new toggle alongside two-factor authentication, app lock, self-destructing messages and device monitoring for stronger security.