WhatsApp is set to introduce a new privacy-focused feature designed to give users greater control during video calls. According to insights from the app's beta code, this update will allow users to disable their camera before accepting an incoming video call. Currently, WhatsApp automatically activates the front camera when a video call is received, forcing users to appear on camera immediately. The new feature will eliminate this limitation, offering enhanced privacy and flexibility. The upcoming update will include a "Turn off your video" button and an "Accept without video" prompt, enabling users to join calls with their cameras disabled from the start. This functionality was discovered in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android by Android Authority, which also shared screenshots of the redesigned interface showcasing the new camera control options.

This feature addresses a growing privacy concern, particularly in light of the rise in "sextortion" scams. In these scams, attackers initiate unsolicited video calls, often displaying inappropriate content, and capture screenshots of victims' reactions to extort money. By allowing users to disable their cameras before answering, WhatsApp aims to reduce the risk of such exploitation. While Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, has not yet announced an official release date for this update, it is expected to roll out to all users in the coming months. This development reflects WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to prioritize user privacy and security. By empowering users to manage their camera visibility during calls, the platform aims to create a safer and more comfortable video communication experience.

The new feature offers several key benefits, including enhanced privacy by allowing users to disable their cameras before answering calls, preventing unwanted exposure. It also provides greater flexibility, as users can join calls without video, offering more control over how they present themselves. Additionally, the feature enhances security by helping protect users from scams like sextortion, where attackers exploit immediate camera activation. The user-friendly interface, with the addition of a "Turn off your video" button and "Accept without video" prompt, simplifies the process and makes it accessible to all users.

This update is significant because it addresses critical privacy concerns in an era where unsolicited video calls and scams are on the rise. By giving users more control over their camera settings, WhatsApp enhances trust and satisfaction among its user base. The update also aligns with the growing demand for privacy-focused features in messaging apps, reflecting WhatsApp's commitment to staying ahead of user needs and security trends.

In conclusion, WhatsApp's upcoming feature to disable cameras before answering video calls marks a significant step forward in user privacy and security. By allowing users to join calls without video, the platform addresses both everyday privacy concerns and serious threats like sextortion scams. While an official release date is yet to be announced, this update is expected to roll out widely in the coming months, reinforcing WhatsApp's commitment to creating a safer and more user-friendly communication experience.