Earlier this week, X, formerly known as Twitter, unveiled a significant update: audio and video calls are now accessible to all users on the platform. This feature, which is automatically enabled for everyone, allows individuals and brands you follow to initiate audio or video calls with you directly.
While some users may embrace this new functionality, others express apprehension regarding potential disruptions and unwanted calls. Notably, X’s track record in managing bot accounts, a promise once championed by Elon Musk, raises skepticism among users.
The post by account X News announcing the new feature is in itself counterchecked by X users, highlighting that “by default, calls are enabled and every call reveals both users’ IP addresses to each other.”
To navigate this new landscape and ensure a tailored experience, users must adjust their settings promptly. Here’s how:
- Accessing Settings: Open the X app on your smartphone and navigate to the direct messages section by tapping the envelope icon.
- Customizing Preferences: Click on the settings cog located at the top of the screen to reveal a range of options.
- Blocking Calls: Users can opt to block all video and audio calls outright by deselecting the “enable audio and video calling” box.
- Fine-Tuning Options: Beneath the primary setting, users can choose who can initiate calls. The options include:
- People in your address book (requires permission to access phone contacts)
- People you follow (default setting)
- Verified users (paying account holders)
- Everyone
- Enhanced Call Privacy: Users are encouraged to explore the “Enhanced call privacy” option, which prevents the disclosure of IP addresses to callers. This feature is especially crucial for individuals concerned about privacy, such as whistleblowers or journalists operating undercover.
- Understanding Call Routing: By default, calls between parties with enhanced call privacy disabled are routed peer-to-peer, potentially exposing IP addresses. However, enabling this setting ensures calls are relayed through X’s infrastructure, masking IP addresses.
- Encryption: Notably, X has not clarified whether audio and video calls are encrypted. Additionally, the company no longer has dedicated staff to address media inquiries.
It’s important to note that audio and video calls are currently exclusive to the X app for Android and iPhone users.
Information for this briefing was found via Forbes and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
