WhatsApp has added a new feature that allows users to access the app via a proxy server allowing it to be used even when the internet is down. This functionality might be beneficial when a governing authority restricts access to particular services.
A proxy server functions like a middleman for a device or service and the internet. So, if a government limits access to WhatsApp in a location, users may input the address of an unblocked proxy server and use the messaging service through that server.
WhatsApp will not provide proxy servers to users so they will have to find one that is available in their region and enter its address in the app. While using the app through a proxy server, messages and data will still be end-to-end encrypted.