The most popular social messaging app – WhatsApp, owned by Facebook has been in the market for more than a decade. However, its latest privacy policy update has created controversies that many people across the globe started switching to other platforms. In this regard, WhatsApp postponed its option to accept its new privacy terms till May 2021.
People today have become more conscious and aware of how their data is being used. Earlier the comparison between the apps was based purely on the features they provide but now people are more concerned about their data.
There has been an uproar in the digital world and everyone is looking for better options – Telegram and Signal to be safe when it comes to data privacy.
Every app has its own ways to use and share users’ data. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.
Are The Conversations Which I do With A Person Or In Group Private?
WhatsApp:
By default, uses open-source signal protocol for end-to-end encryption in personal as well as group chats. In simple words, it means only the sender and receiver can read the messages exchanged.
Anomaly:
As an example, If you book a flight via EaseMyTrip and while booking if you select the option to send details on WhatsApp then third party service providers like Facebook who are offering hosting services to business might start showing you ads around the same on social networks.
Signal:
By default, uses open-source signal protocol for end-to-end encryption in personal as well as group chats. In simple words, it means only the sender and receiver can read the messages exchanged.
There are no anomalies as the app doesn’t have a focus on incentivization so no option of business accounts or related models.
Telegram:
By default, the chats are not end-to-end encrypted and telegram saves your conversations over their local cloud in an encrypted format. This means if Telegram wants, they could read your chats.
One needs to enable an option of ‘Secret Chats’ to ensure that conversations are end-to-end encrypted. Telegram uses MTProto protocol to encrypt them.
Anomaly:
Based on the above facts, Signal clearly stands out.
If one-on-one conversations are safe in all the three mobile apps, anything else to worry about?
WhatsApp:
Signal:
Telegram: