Back

WebRTC

TL;DR: WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a technology that enables real-time audio, video, and data sharing directly between web browsers or mobile apps without the need for plugins.

What is WebRTC?

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is an open-source technology that enables direct, real-time audio, video, and data communication between web browsers and mobile applications. Built into major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, WebRTC allows users to communicate or share files without requiring external plugins or software installations.

WebRTC uses peer-to-peer connections, meaning data travels directly between users rather than through a server, reducing latency and supporting high-quality, real-time interactions. It includes features for media capture, encoding, network traversal, and security, making it widely used in video conferencing, live streaming, online gaming, and file-sharing applications.

How to Disable WebRTC?

To disable WebRTC:

  1. Chrome: Use a browser extension like “WebRTC Control” to disable WebRTC.
  2. Firefox: Go to about:config, search for media.peerconnection.enabled, and set it to false.
  3. Safari (iOS & macOS): Go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Experimental Features and toggle off WebRTC.

These steps can help prevent potential IP leaks through WebRTC.

What is WebRTC used for?

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is used for enabling real-time audio, video, and data sharing directly between web browsers and mobile apps. It is widely applied in:

  1. Video Conferencing: Supports real-time video and audio for platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.
  2. Live Streaming: Allows low-latency streaming for events, gaming, and interactive broadcasts.
  3. Online Gaming: Facilitates data sharing between players for real-time multiplayer games.
  4. File Sharing: Enables peer-to-peer file transfers without needing servers.
  5. Customer Support Chat: Powers live video and audio chat directly in a browser, enhancing support interactions.

WebRTC is valued for creating seamless, plugin-free communication experiences across various web and mobile applications.