clubhouse: Clubhouse’s new protected profiles option will keep users safe in Ukraine and Russia

Clubhouse recently introduced a protected profile setting that will help its users to keep their identity protected from unapproved followers. The full profile will only be available to followers that the users have already approved. Amidst Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, this change is being implemented in an effort to keep users protected on the platform.
According to TechCrunch, the company has shared this announcement through a blog post that reads, “We’re grateful we’ve become a meeting place for people around the world to connect during this time, but we also know that times of conflict and upheaval make it increasingly important to be mindful of your presence online and what you share”.
Users need to go to the app’s settings to enable the protected profile feature which will then allow them to approve their followers. The company also mentions that only the followers whom you approve will be able to see the rooms, clubs and replays on your profile. Users who are not approved as followers won’t be able to see your online status and Clubhouse won’t even recommend unknown people to follow you.
Clubhouse has introduced this new feature as it has turned out into a platform for Russian civilians who are against the war to coordinate. Meanwhile, this platform also has some users who are spreading Russian propaganda. As Russia blocked Facebook and Instagram, it forced the people of the country to look for different ways to communicate. The Clubhouse platform has turned out to be one of those alternatives.
The company has also provided its users with tips to protect themselves on social audio platforms during times of conflict. The platform has turned off the Replay feature by default for users in Ukraine. This feature allows users to record audio. However, people can still use third-party apps or devices to record and share content without consent.
Clubhouse has also asked its users to be cautious about the information they are sharing both verbally and through their profiles. The company has even reminded users that it’s important to be mindful of what you’re saying and sharing as your voice can also be an identifier.