If WhatsApp is blocked, do calls go through - briefly?
If WhatsApp is blocked, voice and video calls made through the app will not go through. This is because the block prevents all communication, including calls, from being initiated or received on the platform.
If WhatsApp is blocked, do calls go through - in detail?
When WhatsApp is blocked by a government or network provider, the ability for users to make voice and video calls through the application can be significantly impaired or entirely disrupted. This blockage typically involves restricting access to WhatsApp's servers, which are crucial for establishing and maintaining communications.
WhatsApp employs end-to-end encryption for all its communications, including calls. However, this encryption is only effective when the data packets can reach their intended destination. When WhatsApp is blocked, these packets cannot be delivered to or from the recipient's device. Consequently, voice and video calls will fail to connect or will drop abruptly if they manage to initiate briefly.
The blockage can occur at various levels within the network infrastructure:
- Domain Name System (DNS) Blocking: Authorities can block access to WhatsApp by preventing users' devices from resolving the domain name "whatsapp.com". This makes it impossible for users to connect to WhatsApp's servers.
- IP Address Blocking: Network providers may block the IP addresses associated with WhatsApp's servers, effectively preventing any communication with the application.
- Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): Advanced filtering techniques can analyze data packets in real-time to identify and block traffic originating from or destined for WhatsApp.
In addition to these technical measures, governments may also pressure telecommunication companies into restricting access to WhatsApp. This can result in service disruptions that affect not only calls but also text messages and media sharing features.
To circumvent such blocks, users often resort to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or other proxy services that can reroute their traffic through unblocked servers. However, these methods are not foolproof and may be subject to detection and subsequent blocking by authorities.
In summary, if WhatsApp is blocked, calls generally do not go through due to the inability of users' devices to connect with WhatsApp's servers. The blockage can be implemented at various levels within the network infrastructure, effectively disrupting all forms of communication facilitated by the application.