The recent WhatsApp privacy policy update has created a lot of buzz on the Internet among privacy-conscious people. The latest Privacy Policy of WhatsApp states that it can share your personal data to the sibling apps Facebook and Instagram.
The acceptance of a new privacy policy is a must if you want to continue using the WhatsApp service. The app shows the latest update using the in-app notification feature in both Android and iOS users. The new update is effected from February 8, 2021, and the user must accept in order to continue using the service.
Why it created chaos?
The new privacy policy update is an issue to the privacy concerned people who don’t want to share their personal data with the other services. For example, if you share or forward a media message to your contact, the WhatsApp servers will share the data to the Facebook servers in order to use this data to improve customized and tailored ads to the user.
WhatsApp update
“We may use the information we receive from them, and they may use the information we share with them, to help operate, provide, improve, understand, customize, support, and market our Services and their offerings, including the Facebook Company Products,” says WhatsApp.
The information they collect is such as phone number, transaction data, information on how you interact with others, IP address, profile name, status messages, app logs, profile picture, will be shared with Facebook. Felling annoying right?
If you don’t want to share your personal information with Facebook via WhatsApp, you have plenty of alternatives to ditch WhatsApp.
Here are the secure alternatives to WhatsApp.
1. Signal
Signal has emerged as one of the most popular WhatsApp alternatives ever since Elon Musk has tweeted about it. The end-to-end encrypted messaging app promises strong privacy features
such as the feature to prevent users from taking a screenshot, self-destructing messages, end-to-end encrypted attachments and more. Like Telegram, Signal is also an open-source app with its source code available on Github for you to access. Signal Messenger is intended for journalists, government officials and those who care about their privacy. You can download Signal messenger app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you are used to using WhatsApp, it will not take you much time to get your hands on Signal owing to its similar user interface.
A trusted name in the secured messenger apps from 2013. The Signal is becoming popular for its privacy-oriented features. It is praised by many popular names among the technology and media journalism people like Jack Dorsey (CEO of Twitter and Square), Edward Snowden (Privacy Advocate) in the past. Recently Elon Musk tweet “Use Signal” right after the WhatsApp privacy policy update has whistle blown the privacy issue created by WhatsApp among the users.
It is open-source, does not store your data and many people are already switched to the service. Signal is meant for technology enthusiasts who are aware of and concerned about privacy. It is our first and best recommendation as to the WhatsApp alternative app with advanced security features.
Transfer Protocols: HTTPS/SOP Over WebSockets
Encryption Methods: Signal Protocol (X3DH + Double Ratchet + AES 256).
2. Telegram
The second contender for the best WhatsApp alternative is none other Telegram. The secured messenger app has gained quite a traction since WhatsApp changed its privacy policies. The open-source messaging app brings all the messaging features you find in WhatsApp. Telegram improves the features of WhatsApp, for example, the number of participants in a group can be up to 100,000, you can share files up to 1.5 GB on Telegram and send self-destructing messages to keep your privacy intact. In terms of privacy, Telegram chats are end-to-end encrypted which means only you can access the chats and not even Telegram employees can read it. The only downside of the Telegram app is the lack of video calling feature. Another advantage of using Telegram is the Bot feature. The Telegram Bots allows you to improve the messaging features much advanced. Telegram app is available on Android and iOS.
Transfer Protocols: MTProto.
Encryption Methods: 2048-bit RSA encryption and Diffie–Hellman key exchange.
3. Session
Session is another privacy-focused messaging app that can serve as the perfect WhatsApp alternative. To give you an idea, Session’s privacy policy reads, “Session never knows who you are, who you’re talking to, or the contents of your messages.” One of the major features of Session messaging app is that it doesn’t store any personally identifiable information such as your IP address, email ID or even your phone number. In fact, you can use Session app without entering your phone number. The Session brings all the features including group calls, voice messages, the option to attach files and more features you would want in a messaging app.
Transfer Protocols: TOR Onion Http
Encryption Methods: Modified Signal Protocol
4. Snapchat
Snapchat needs no introduction. The app designed to exchange photos/videos also comes with a built-in messaging feature, making it one of the best WhatsApp alternative out there. Its features
like messages that disappear automatically after a certain period of time make the perfect messaging app you can use in 2021. It also has a privacy feature that notifies you when the person on the other side takes a screenshot of your chat. Additionally, you can create groups, initiate group voice calls and exchange emojis with your friends. Moreover, Snapchat has the best collection of filters and face masks that you can use while sending videos/photos to your friends and family.
Transfer Protocols: –
Encryption Methods: AES algorithm in CBC mode.
5. Viber
Viber is another messaging app that can install to replace WhatsApp. Its Viber Out feature allows you to make international calls to non-Viber users as well. Although this feature is chargeable but
the charges are nominal. Viber messaging app comes equipped with features like sharing files in attachments, audio message, video message, support for stickers, and ability to see the last seen. You can also back up your chats to Google Drive which is a feature not available in other apps enlisted here. Viber is very similar to WhatsApp in terms of features and interface therefore, if you are switching from WhatsApp, it is going to be a smooth experience.
Transfer Protocols: HTTP/HTTPS – RTP (SRTP)
Encryption Methods: Double Ratchet
6. Threema
Threema is a messaging app that focuses on the privacy of its users. The app encrypts all the messages, files you send, and even the status updates. You can understand the level of anonymity the messaging app requires by the fact that it doesn’t even require you to enter your phone number or email to start messaging your friends. Threema is also an open-source app with its source code available on the internet for anyone to see. The messaging app strictly refrains from collecting any data from users including the IP address of the devices it’s serving. However, this great WhatsApp alternative is not free to use like other apps available on this list. You have to pay a monthly subscription to use Threema.
Transfer Protocols: HTTPS
Encryption Methods: NaCl + AES 256 (Validation Logging)
7. Element
Previously known by the names “Riot”, “Vector”, Element offers decentralized storage, end-to-end encryption and messaging app features like file sharing, read receipts, audio, video calls, and
groups. Since it offers decentralized servers to store your data, you will be presented with the options to choose a server. You can choose a free server or a priced one if you regard privacy more than your money. What makes Element a perfect WhatsApp alternative is the fact that there is no app for it and the messaging service runs directly on your browser. There is also a feature available on Element where you can integrate other apps such as Google Calendar, SMS and Facebook.
Transfer Protocols: HTTPS
Encryption Methods: Matrix Network
8. iMessage
If you own an iPhone, there is no best WhatsApp alternative than iMessage. The reason why we are mentioning iMessage in this list is Apple’s strong commitment to privacy. For privacy enthusiasts, iMessage combines the best of messaging apps along with all the security features you’d want to secure your digital footprints. iMessage offers end-to-end encryption, a simple UI, personalized stickers and more. This messaging app is Apple exclusive and lacks certain features in comparison to WhatsApp like adding status updates but if you like a simple messaging app, iMessage should be your first choice. Moreover, you can merge your messages with iMessage to further streamline all your conversations.
Transfer Protocols: HTTPS/GSM
Encryption Methods: Double AES 128.
9. Skype
Skype is a popular video calling app that also doubles up as a messenger app. With a large number of active users around the world, Skype allows users to call and text over the internet. Skype is more of a business-oriented app as you can integrate Microsoft Office in it to streamline your workflow. The Microsoft-owned app requires you to approve contacts before sending the message, making it less user-friendly than WhatsApp. However, if your communication demands strict privacy, Skype should you go to WhatsApp alternative. Skype is available on Android, macOS, Windows and iOS platform. The app is free to use.
Transfer Protocols: UDP and TCP.
Encryption Methods: AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).
10. Keybase
Keybase is a rather less popular messaging app designed on the lines of Slack. But, unlike Slack which is business-oriented, Keybase is meant for those who value their online privacy. The messaging app is open-source and incorporates end-to-end encryption to further secure your privacy. It also deploys public key cryptography to secure your chats. Keybase also allows you to connect with communities on different social media platforms like Reddit, Twitter and more. There is a feature to send disappearing messages that are automatically removed after a set interval of time. Keybase is all about privacy and online security. In fact, its tagline says, “Keybase, because safety first.”
Transfer Protocols: KEX Protocol.
Encryption Methods: TripleSec.