Change in settings recommended to safeguard privacy after introduction of ‘dangerous’ feature

Twitter users are being urged to update their account settings immediately following the introduction of a new feature on the platform. The feature allows users to make calls to each other, similar to messaging apps like WhatsApp. However, concerns have been raised over the potential privacy risks associated with this feature.

Users have been advised to navigate to their account settings, then to ‘privacy and safety’, and finally to ‘direct messages’. Here, they should enable the ‘enhanced call privacy’ setting to avoid revealing their IP address during calls. An IP address can reveal a user’s physical location, making them vulnerable to online harassment or doxxing.

The introduction of this feature has sparked safety concerns among users, with many expressing their views on social media. Some users have questioned the need for phone calls on Twitter, while others have criticized the platform for not providing adequate privacy protection by default.

Twitter’s help centre describes the ‘enhanced call privacy’ setting as a measure to protect users’ privacy by hiding their IP address from people they call or receive calls from.

It is advised that users update their settings immediately to ensure their safety and privacy while using the platform.