In its new terms of service, WhatsApp now requires users to share their data with Facebook. This leads to the search, by many Internet users concerned about their privacy, for an alternative instant messaging . Explanations!
WhatsApp, Facebook and privacy
You might have lost sight of it, but WhatsApp belongs to Facebook. Facebook is under scrutiny for its privacy practices and Siege of orgrimmar entrance. The social network has just done what many see as a stupid move that will practically kick WhatsApp users out if they don’t allow Facebook to take over their data.
Modification of the general conditions by WhatsApp
WhatsApp has notified a change in its policy that makes a 180 ° turn compared to the position of the subsidiary which wanted to make the integration of Facebook optional. Since its takeover by the social media giant, it has tried to give the image of a more or less independent company that continues to value and protect the privacy of its users.
Let’s be sure that this is only the latest of the big changes made by Facebook to integrate its properties more into its social and advertising networks. For example, FB has already unified Messenger and Instagram chats.
Which instant messenger to replace WhatsApp?
At a time when people all over the world have become more dependent on messaging services , all Internet users concerned with respect for their privacy are looking for an alternative messaging system .
iMessage
iMessage is an exclusive application from Apple. Among the web giants, Apple, which is not an advertising agency, is the one that gives the best protection of privacy.
iMessage also supports end-to-end encryption for maximum privacy protection. Apple encrypts iMessage on your device, so that even your device cannot read messages while they are being transmitted between devices. To read your messages, you must either have access to an unlocked Apple device that has participated in the chat, or have access to the device’s passcode, a biometric connection or backups.
When it comes to user interface, iMessage is quite impressive with its simple yet attractive interface. It allows you to merge SMS with iMessage so that you can access it all in one place. The downside to diMessage is an Apple exclusive, and that you cannot set statuses on this app like on WhatsApp. In the USA, people distinguish between “Green Bubble” (not apple) and Blue Bubble.
Telegram
Telegram has been WhatsApp’s biggest competitor for some time. The open-source messaging app remains the best WhatsApp alternative on the market running on all systems.
Telegram also offers other features such as:
- super groups of up to 99,999 people,
- public channels,
- usernames,
- the ability to share files up to 1.5 GB,
- code locking,
- self-destructing messages,
- end-to-end encryption in secret chat.
The voice call function which works fine but Telegram does not have the video call function. But it makes up for it by bringing some really unique features that aren’t found on WhatsApp. So if you don’t care about video calling, Telegram will be your bliss as a messaging app.
Signal
Signal Foundation, the organization that powers end-to-end encryption technology in WhatsApp Messenger and Facebook Messenger, offers its own messaging app called Signal Private Messenger. As you would expect, Signal brings a number of security advantages over WhatsApp. It offers self-destructing messages, it prevents anyone from taking screenshots, etc.
Additionally, Signal encrypts
- backups,
- calls,
- group calls,
- all other application data like [pii_email_aef67573025b785e8ee2] .
Even the files you send using Signal are protected. Additionally, according to the Apple App Store listing, Signal does not link any data to your identity.
It is a great app for anyone who wants to have a safe conversation with other users. Therefore, Signal is very popular with journalists. Signal Private Messenger is for people who are looking for a simple and secure messaging app and if you are looking for something like this then this is the best WhatsApp alternative for you.
Session
The first line of Session’s privacy policy says:
“ Session never knows who you are, who you are talking to, or the content of your messages ”.
The fact that it is an end-to-end encrypted messenger that focuses on reducing your sensitive metadata makes it one of the best WhatsApp alternatives in 2021 for users who want absolute privacy and freedom. any form of surveillance.
Session does not store any identifying information such as your IP address or user agent, your phone number because it works without a number, your email ID, or any other information that could be linked to your real identity or used to create a user profile based on your activity. You will therefore always remain anonymous on this platform.
This alternative to WhatsApp is open-source and offers a nice dark mode for the users. You can do everything like:
- group calls,
- voice notes,
- sending attachments,
- etc.
For a smooth multi-device switching experience, it uses a different solution from Signal’s session management algorithm which protects your anonymity at a higher level.
Threema (€ 3.99)
Threema, takes security very seriously and encrypts all data, including messages, shared files, and even status updates. It doesn’t even require you to enter an email address or phone number to create an account. This provides an even higher level of anonymity.
What makes Threema one of the best alternatives to WhatsApp is the fact that it is open source and does not log IP addresses or metadata that helps track users or profile them. However, unlike the apps mentioned above, Threema is not a free app, and it doesn’t offer a free trial either. You will have to pay a monthly subscription for the installation that it provides.
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