According to an APK teardown conducted by Android Authority, WhatsApp is currently testing a new feature that allows users to answer video calls with the camera off, addressing privacy concerns and aligning the app with functionalities available on platforms like Zoom and Google Meet. This feature was discovered in the WhatsApp beta version (2.25.7.3 for Android).
WhatsApp tests new feature to turn off video calls
When an incoming video call is received, users will see a “Turn off your video” option. This functionality enables users to avoid automatic camera activation upon answering the call. Currently, WhatsApp defaults to turning on the front camera when a call is answered, with no option to disable it beforehand. Users can either decline the call or answer it and then disable the camera, which is set to change with this upcoming feature.
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The “Turn off your video” prompt will appear under the caller’s name and profile picture. When selected, the option to “Accept without video” will replace the standard “Swipe up to accept” button at the bottom of the screen. Users will have the ability to re-enable their camera once the video call has been initiated. This update is particularly relevant as there has been a rise in scams exploiting video calls to blackmail victims, adding an urgency to the need for enhanced privacy features.
While WhatsApp has not provided an official release date for this feature, the screenshots from the beta version suggest that the rollout could happen soon. The development comes shortly after Google introduced a method for Google Messages users to initiate video calls to WhatsApp users without leaving their app.
Featured image credit: WhatsApp
