In early January, WhatsApp announced major changes to its terms of service. Now, the instant messaging app will share some data with Facebook. In fact, WhatsApp will allow the social network to collect conversations between Internet users and a company. Faced with the backlash caused by this announcement, messaging chose to delay the changes going into effect until May 15, 2021.
Despite all the communication efforts of WhatsApp and Facebook, thousands of users, turn to competing instant messaging appsmore respectful of privacy and personal data. To help you choose your future messenger, we have compiled a list of 5 alternatives to WhatsApp.
signal
Let’s talk about Signal first. The messaging app quickly took advantage of WhatsApp’s setbacks to inflate its user base. Thanks to the application developed by the Signal Foundation, a non-profit organization, you can send messages, photos, videos or make end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls. Signal Protocol to encryption protocol (An open source protocol also operated by WhatsApp). In this respect, Signal is not much different from WhatsApp.
Cherries on the cake Signal only collects the phone number of its users. No user data is stored on the company’s servers. Finally, the app does not retrieve phone numbers from your address book. Virtually everything is stored locally on the smartphone. If your smartphone is stolen, lost or resold, this is why you won’t be able to find the history of your conversations.
Anyway, Signal is accepted One of the safest alternatives to WhatsApp. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and famous informant Edward Snowden publicly recommended the use of Signal. As a result, keep in mind that Signal does not show (and does not schedule) ads. If messaging is tempting you, we recommend watching our tutorial on switching from WhatsApp to Signal.
Telegram
With over 500 million users worldwide, Telegram is a great secure alternative to WhatsApp. It was designed by Russian opponents of Vladimir Putin (NikolaÏ and Pavel Durov). messaging application encrypts all communications using the MTProto protocol. It also lets you create “secret discussions” whose information is stored locally on your phone.
It stands out from the competition thanks to its messaging feature Public chat channels that can host over 200,000 members. These channels allow Internet users to share information, as in a social network. There are many French channels on various themes, including technology or cryptocurrencies. To sign up for Telegram, just enter a phone number. In addition to being ultra secure, Telegram stands out as the most complete messaging service in this selection. Telegram is even preparing a tool to help you transfer your WhatsApp conversations easily.
olvid
Developed by French cryptography researchers, Olvid is based on an encryption protocol without a central server. Unlike WhatsApp, messaging, a direct link between users, without going through a trusted third party. Therefore, the operation of the service is not based on a directory that centralizes all phone numbers.
ANSSI-approved CSPN, Olvid does not require any data or even a phone number at registration. To register, justenter your name or nickname. As a result, each user’s identity is protected. On the other hand, we regret that encrypted calls are paid. Olvid is primarily aimed at companies concerned with protecting data exchanged by their employees.
scred
Developed by the group Skyrock, Skred Another French alternative to WhatsApp. It offers similar features to WhatsApp but differs in that it has a handful of paid business-oriented offerings. Approved by ANSSI, Skred does not request any information about its users. It is not necessary to enter a phone number to register.
Like Olvid, Skyrock’s messaging does not rely on central servers to collect user data. all locally stored on the smartphone. Finally, the Guardian Project relies on hackers’ open-source encryption technologies to ensure the security of its users.
viber
We end this file with Viber, a messaging app born in 2010. Much like WhatsApp, Viber allows all communications (messages, calls, shared photos, etc.) Protocol developed by SignaI. Note that messages can be scheduled to disappear after a certain period of time.
While registering, Viber asks for a phone number. Still, the app allows users to hide their number from other users’ view. Like Telegram, Viber offers to create groups with no participant limit. These channels look like real discussion forums. Many internet users already trust Viber. This is a solution that is probably already very popular among your contacts leaving WhatsApp.
Support our work ❤️
If you enjoyed this article, consider leaving a tip to help us keep publishing great content.
