Three alternatives to WhatsApp that protect user privacy
Silhouettes of mobile users are seen next to logos of social media apps Signal, Whatsapp and Telegram projected on a screen in this picture illustration taken March 28, 2018. PHOTO: REUTERS
WhatsApp recently made headlines after announcing its new terms of services which will allow parent company Facebook and its subsidiaries to collect user data, including phone numbers and location.
The new terms of service didn't sit well with privacy watchdogs and activists who questioned the “accept our data grab or get out” move. Here are three alternatives to WhatsApp that offer users an encrypted messaging platform ensuring their data is secured and private.
Signal
Signal is probably the best alternative to WhatsApp offering users an encrypted and free platform. The app is easy to use and has similar features to WhatsApp such as a disappearing messaging feature, voice, and video calling.
The encrypted messaging app offers an auto-deleting feature to ensure even more privacy, however, the only thing it lags is animated emojis as the app currently doesn’t support it.
Signal, Telegram see demand spike as new WhatsApp terms stir debate
Signal saw a sudden spike in downloads when Elon Musk founder of Tesla and Space X and now the world's richest man tweeted, “Use Signal”.
Signal was downloaded more than 100,000 times in the app stores of Apple and Google in the last two days according to Sensor Tower.
Threema
Threema is a free and open-source end-to-end encrypted instant messaging app ensuring users complete privacy.
Contact list and group information are stored on your device and not in the app. People can connect with each other using an 8-digit Threema ID instead of a phone number, reports VpnMentor.
The encrypted app offers texts, voice calls, file sharing as well as group chats and it even encrypts messages so no-one can keep track of what you post. Messages can be read-only by the sender and the recipient.
Take it or leave it: WhatsApp will now share your data with Facebook
Telegram
Telegram has more than 200 million active users. It uses a double-tick system to indicate someone has received a message.
The app offers an automatic delete message feature and end-to-end encryption for voice calls. However, users will have to turn on encryption for messages to prevent storage.
Telegram picked up nearly 2.2 million downloads after WhatsApp announced its new terms of service, reported Sensor Tower.