These days, everyone wants a piece of your private data. From social media sites to e-commerce platforms, it’s no secret that data is the key to win customers. However, many users are starting to wonder if what they have to give up is worth it.
When it comes to messaging apps, users tend to share intimate and personal details of their lives like photos, documents, and texts. Previously, the go-to app for privacy-focused individuals was the end-to-end encrypted messaging application WhatsApp. But many users are looking to find an alternative.
What’s Wrong with WhatsApp?
WhatsApp was once the app that users could count on to send their messages anywhere in the world without paying standard phone charges. Leading the pack for international instant messaging, WhatsApp is a primary communication tool for many individuals and businesses.
But planned updates to its privacy policy have made people nervous about how much the company wants to share with Facebook. While it’s true that WhatsApp is still secure by continuing to encrypt its messages, information related to interactions with businesses are no longer entirely private.
Interactions with business profiles on WhatsApp will third-party platforms access to information such as your name, location, number, and more. Additionally, WhatsApp will be sharing certain information with the rest of the Facebook group of companies such as Facebook and Instagram.
With this, you can expect to get additional personalized ads on these platforms from your WhatsApp usage.
WhatsApp Alternatives That Don't Share Data With Facebook
If you are not comfortable with all the new WhatsApp changes, fear not. Here are a couple of WhatsApp alternatives that you can consider to migrate your messaging to...
1. Telegram
First on this is list is the open-source messaging app, Telegram. Not only does Telegram stack up pretty well against WhatsApp, but it also has innovative features that set it apart from many of its competitors.
Unlike WhatsApp, you do not need to give your phone number to message someone on Telegram. This means giving up one less data point needed to make a connection.
Telegram is also available for use on multiple platforms at once and on nearly every platform. Similar to WhatsApp, Telegram has file sharing, end-to-end encryption (however only limited to its Secret Chats feature), disappearing messages, and password protection.
While Telegram also has other features such as public channels and supergroups that can hold thousands of members at a time, it does come with its caveats. These features may sound great at first, but the end-to-end encryption is off by default for groups. Additionally, there are some additional concerns of encryption when Telegram is running in parallel with multiple devices.
Download: Telegram for Android | iOS (Free)
2. Signal
The Signal Foundation, the company behind WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger's end-to-end encryption, has its own messenger: Signal Private Messenger. With the famous cryptographer, Moxie, and former WhatsApp founder Brian Acton at the helm, Signal commits to privacy.
Unlike WhatsApp, Signal encrypts even the file metadata from backup files, group calls, cellphone numbers, dates, and times of messages. In fact, it doesn't even show previews of your messages when your device is in multi-task mode and Signal lets users blur faces in photos.
Other than encryption, Signal also offers timed auto-lock features, self-destructing messages for locally stored files, and screen security that prevents other people from taking screenshots of your conversation. Lastly, according to the Apple privacy labels, Signal doesn’t link any data to you as a person besides your phone number.
Download: Signal for Android | iOS (Free)
3. Wickr Me
Designed as more of a collaboration tool than a messaging app, Wickr can share screens, locations, and your status alongside fully encrypted messages and memos. Wickr also supports direct integration with SalesForce, Jira, Zendesk, and other applications.
With encryption turned on by default, Wickr also does not require email addresses or phone numbers to set up an account. Having the goal of leaving no trace, Wickr does not log IP addresses and metadata. Users can also define message lifespans from three seconds to six days.
Wickr encrypts files locally and uses a Secure File Shredder to clean your device's RAM after messages. Wickr also uses Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) that reduces the access hackers will have when data is compromised, as well as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
Unfortunately, Wickr is incorporated in the United States, which legally requires companies to store user data for 30 days. While its full privacy features need payment to be accessed, they do have a free option that you can use with almost every device.
Download: Wickr Me for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)
4. Threema
Being a fully paid messaging app, Threema often gets sidelined by free applications. However, its commitment to restraining access to metadata may well be worth the price for many users. Threema is committed to not storing user data so much that it does not even require a phone number or email address to set up.
With servers based in Switzerland, Threema is GDPR-compliant and does not have to store data by law. Threema permanently deletes messages right after they are received. With information managed locally, there is no way to decrypt connections.
Alternative to the Facebook group monetization strategy, Threema is financed by a one-time fee that all users pay instead of using user data for advertising.
With password protection, no personally identifiable information, and anonymous chat functions, Threema commits to the idea that privacy is worth paying for.
Download: Threema for Android ($2.99) | iOS ($2.99)
Protect Your Private Information
While WhatsApp remains to be a secure messaging app, it is understandable why many people still prefer a more private option. If you choose to still use the app, there are ways to make it more secure.
Understandably, changing messaging platforms can be difficult. Hopefully, with our list of alternatives, you have enough information in your arsenal to help everyone in your circle make the right choice for everyone involved.
When you have multiple groups of friends and family still on WhatsApp, it can be challenging to convince everyone to move. Thankfully, once you have decided to jump, it does not mean you have to lose the memories. You can download your WhatsApp messaging history and media before deleting your account for good.