WhatsApp video call automatically turns on the front camera when you pick up a video call. However, this will soon change. WhatsApp is rolling out an update that enhances user privacy by disabling the front camera when you receive surprise video calls from unknown or potential sextortion scams.
WhatsApp is one of the best instant messaging apps for keeping in touch with your friends and family, but it does have its fair share of issues. When you get a video call on WhatsApp, the app automatically opens your front camera. I feel it is so annoying, meaning there is no way to pick up the video call without the front camera being turned on.
This may not be a big deal for many users, but sometimes you might want to pick up the call without the camera being on. As it turns out, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that lets you do just that. First spotted by Android Authority on the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, users may soon see a new “Turn off your video” button when getting a video call. As anticipated, tapping on the feature will deactivate the camera, enabling you to engage in the call in voice-only mode. This feature provides a convenient option for many to maintain privacy.
Moreover, it looks like WhatsApp has also included a “Accept without video” button when you turn off the camera, making it clear to users that they can pick up the call without being seen. While the new feature may not be useful to everyone, it can come in handy to fight sextortion scams.
To give you a quick recap, scammers have been exploiting WhatsApp’s video call feature by initiating calls with explicit content, taking screenshots of the victim’s face, and blackmailing and threatening them unless they pay a ransom amount.
At the moment, it is still unclear if and when WhatsApp will roll out this new privacy feature, but given its utility, Meta is expected to roll it out in the coming months. Stay tuned to more of such Tech News. Join our WhatsApp group where we publish Daily Tech News Digest, for you to easily consume the latest tech news across the world.
