Is it Safe to Use Whatsapp? What are the Alternatives?

Is it Safe to Use Whatsapp? What are the Alternatives?

Whatsapp is quite likely one of the most popular and successful messaging apps in the world. But is it truly safe?

In 2021, Whatsapp announced that they would be making changes to their privacy policy. On the surface, the changes appeared harmless. But on closer inspection, it was revealed that Whatsapp would be sharing data harvested from users with its parent company; Facebook.

Whatsapp is Tracking More Than Just Your Messages

Even more worrisome is data released by Apple that has revealed how invasive Whatsapp truly is. From your location to your shopping habits, it is clear that Whatsapp does more than just act as a messenger.

While the company claims to have the interests of its users at heart, one should not forget that Whatsapp is owned by Facebook.

Given Facebook’s pathetic track record of data and privacy breaches, this is a major cause for concern. In all likelihood, Whatsapp is being used as a means to harvest even more data from users.

So you need to ask yourself the question – are you comfortable using an app that tracks nearly every aspect of your life?

Alternatives to Whatsapp

Fortunately, people around the world are not taking this lying down. While Whatsapp has attempted to assuage fears and coerce users to continue using the app, this strategy has not been entirely successful.

With an abundance of secure and private messaging apps available, many have chosen to move away from Whatsapp entirely. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at the 5 best alternatives to Whatsapp. If you want to find out more apps you can find a more complete list of encrypted messaging apps here: blog.tezro.com/best-encrypted-secure-messaging-apps/

1. Telegram

One of the most popular messaging apps in the world, Telegram has gradually gained traction over the years.

Created by Pavel Durov, Telegram offers a variety of privacy-centric features that has made it popular with users around the world.

For example, users can set up secret chats with one another without having to worry about their data being compromised. This is because chat logs are stored on the device used to send messages on secret chat.

Additionally, messages sent on Telegram can be deleted after being sent or set to self-destruct after a set time has passed. Hence allowing users to basically guarantee their privacy by eliminating the data trail.

Features:

  • Free-to-use
  • Advanced data encryption
  • Messages can be deleted after being sent or set to self-destruct
  • Able to manage groups of up to 200,000 participants
  • iOS and Android compatible

2. Signal 

Created by Whatsapp co-founder, Signal is a free-to-use, encrypted messaging platform built with an emphasis on privacy. It holds the distinction of being the messenger app of choice for Edward Snowden and members of the U.S Senate.  

Featuring secure data encryption, Signal is the ideal choice for users with privacy on their mind. It may not be as popular as Telegram but the added security is worth it.

Features:

  • Free-to-use
  • Advanced data encryption and data protection
  • Data is not stored on servers
  • Messages can be set to self-destruct
  • iOS and Android compatible

3. Threema

Featuring a simple, easy-to-use interface, Threema bears many similarities to Whatsapp. With the exception that Threema is built with privacy in mind.

Unlike other messaging apps, Threema does not require users to link their handphone number or email address. Instead, a unique Threema ID is generated and this allows users to login anonymously.

Features:

  • One-time payment of $2.99 
  • Open source code
  • Comprehensive encryption
  • Does not require email or phone number to use
  • iOS and Android compatible

4. Wire 

Created by Skype co-founder Janus Friis, Wire is another great alternative to Whatsapp. Designed to be a straightforward messenger app, users have praised Wire for being easy-to-use and fast.

As an added plus, users can login to Wire anonymously without having to use their phone numbers or email. What’s more, it’s also free-to-use and features open source data encryption.

Features:

  • Free-to-use
  • Open source code
  • GDPR compliant data encryption
  • Does not require email or phone number to use
  • iOS and Android compatible

While Whatsapp is a great app, recent developments have affected its use as a messenger app. Fortunately, there are plenty of other alternatives for you to use.