X (Formerly Twitter) Introduces Audio and Video Calls, Raises Concerns Over Privacy
In a surprising move, X (formerly known as Twitter) recently announced the launch of audio and video calls on its platform. This new feature allows anyone you follow to make direct audio or video calls to you, raising concerns about privacy and unwanted interruptions. While some users may embrace this addition, others are skeptical, considering X’s track record in dealing with bot accounts and maintaining user privacy.
To ensure that you have control over your call settings and avoid any potential inconvenience, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to block calls on Twitter:
1. Open the Twitter app on your smartphone.
2. Tap the envelope icon, which is used to access your direct messages.
3. Click on the settings cog located at the top of the screen.
Once you’ve reached the settings menu, you’ll find several options to customize your call preferences. The first and simplest option is to block all video and audio calls altogether. You can do this by unchecking the box that says “enable audio and video calling.”
However, if you still want to receive calls from certain individuals or groups, there are more nuanced options available:
1. People in your address book: This option requires you to grant X permission to access your phone’s contacts. By selecting this, only individuals in your address book will be able to call you.
2. People you follow: This is the default option that allows anyone you follow to make calls to you.
3. Verified users: It’s important to note that being a verified user doesn’t necessarily mean they are verified in the traditional sense. These are simply paying account holders who can also make calls.
4. Everyone: This option allows anyone on the platform to call you.
Regardless of which option you choose, it’s advisable to check the “Enhanced call privacy” setting located below these options. According to X, enabling this feature will prevent your IP address from being revealed to callers. This is particularly crucial for individuals like whistleblowers, undercover journalists, or anyone who wishes to keep their location private, as IP addresses can be used to trace a person’s approximate whereabouts.
For those curious about the technical aspects of Twitter calls, the app provides more information on its enhanced call privacy setting. By default, if both parties have this setting disabled, the call is routed peer-to-peer, meaning each party’s IP address may be visible to the other. However, if either party has this setting enabled, the call will be relayed through X’s infrastructure, effectively masking the IP address of the party with the setting enabled.
It’s worth noting that X does not mention whether these audio and video calls are encrypted on its support page. Additionally, the company no longer has staff dedicated to answering media inquiries.
As of now, audio and video calls are only available on the X app for Android and iPhone users. Whether this feature will be expanded to other platforms remains uncertain.
While the introduction of audio and video calls on X opens up new possibilities for communication, it also raises valid concerns about privacy. By taking control of your call settings and understanding the available options, you can ensure a more secure and personalized experience on the platform.
