Photo by Mourizal Zativa on Unsplash
During the acquisition of the WhatsApp messenger by the IT giant Facebook, some people let out a sigh of frustration.
The new owner promised that personal data would still remain private and protected from any interference from third parties.
We have been assured that Mark Zuckerberg and his team will not apply shady data collecting practices.
Gradually, that promise was forgotten. Today, this has led to the need for privacy-minded users to change their messenger.
Gradually, developers simply took away an increasing amount of WhatsApp’s privacy. The standard argument is that it is only for data analysis.
But the days when we could trust this app completely are behind us. It's only a matter of time before even more private data is taken away from users and sold to advertisers for a hefty fee.
Therefore, the issue of replacing WhatsApp has become relevant.
Fortunately, today there exist a lot of alternatives to WhatsApp, which -- just between us girls -- are really the main focus.
Are WhatsApp alternative messengers really working?
WhatsApp has gained popularity for a reason, and it used to be a truly good application that meets all standards. Under Facebook's management, the service has developed even more. It has many useful features that make WhatsApp competitive.
However, recently Facebook has turned the platform into something resembling a farm for advertising. So if you do not want to leak your data to companies and constantly watch ads, you should think about changing your messenger.
Each of the WhatsApp substitutes has strengths and weaknesses. However, their common feature is that they do not depend on Facebook and are more careful about privacy.
WhatsApp alternative messengers list
Utopia P2P Ecosystem
Utopia P2P is a decentralized and anonymous messenger that provides fully-fledged user protection from various online threats and data leaks. It is built on a peer-to-peer network, which is based solely on the equality of all participants.
In addition, Utopia is a multi-functional ecosystem that combines 6+ powerful tools for secure instant messaging, browsing, anonymous payments in one incredibly user-friendly product that anyone can download and install on their PC.
Utopia provides anonymous registration and use. Users do not enter personal data, phone numbers, emails, and may not even write their real names in the profile. It increases users’ anonymity and data privacy.
Also, their messenger does not require either a phone number or an email. It increases users’ anonymity and the time to create emails if users want private accounts. No one knows the identity that is hidden behind the avatar and nickname.
It ensures secure and private messaging ability within the ecosystem through the built-in uMessenger. A user can send and receive text and voice messages, transfer media, add stickers and emoticons, and create chats and channels.
All transmitted or received data is securely protected at both the transmission and reception stages. At the moment, only in Utopia, your messages are delivered by passing through the chain of other users in encrypted form.
Utopia P2P is one of the best alternatives to WhatsApp because it is a censorship-free, anonymous, secure, and private messenger that cares about each user. However, only the desktop version is available for use so far. Fortunately, the developers have already announced the release of the mobile version.
Element.io
Element.io focuses on calls, conference calls, and a lot of other advanced actions. Behind all this, Element.io is also a messenger focused on data privacy. This is an open-source application that is constantly being upgraded to achieve the maximum degree of security.
Several features of the application evidence its confidentiality:
- There is no need to specify personal phone numbers to start using the program.
- End-to-end encryption is used while sending and receiving messages. The only caveat is that the function is not used by default; it needs to be enabled manually.
- The ability to monitor the message history and make adjustments to it.
- Limiting the ability to view messages in chats.
The application is based on the Matrix protocol. As a result, it has an excellent reputation in communication security.
This is also evidenced by the French government's use of the Element.io messenger to send confidential messages.
The messenger is available on popular mobile platforms and helps send and receive any files. It is possible to send both tiny TXT files and entire movies. Those who are used to WhatsApp will also like the green interface in a minimalist style.
Signal
Signal is a free messenger that supports secure text with end-to-end encryption, voice and video chats, and voice and video calls, as well as secure file and photo transfers.
It is built on a messaging protocol widely recognized as the most secure protocol available.
More importantly, Signal tries to collect and store as little user data as possible. While WhatsApp collects a lot of information and stores it on its servers, Signal collects only the following:
- Your phone number.
- Date and time of connection to the service.
- Last login date.
Any other data that Signal uses, such as the list of contacts with whom you have communicated and your groups, is encrypted and stored on your device.
As a result, no one, not even Signal staff, can see the data without physical access to the device (or the device of someone who communicates with you.)
Telegram
Telegram is another good option if you want to avoid data leakage in WhatsApp. This is because it offers similar WhatsApp features and a vast user base. Indeed, most of your friends are active users of this service.
In addition, Telegram works in the cloud, which allows you to use it on multiple devices simultaneously.
Less data is collected compared to WhatsApp, and it is not transmitted to Facebook. At the same time, server-side encryption is used for private and group chats, and data is stored on Telegram servers.
You will want to use secret chats for the most confidential communication since the encryption is not enabled by default in the application.
Wickr Me
Wickr Me is probably the best messaging app for those that are focused on maximum privacy. It is actively used to send important data by journalists, leaders of countries and other people who have really serious secrets.
Wickr Me, similarly to WhatsApp, uses a phone number for authorization. There are also various fun features here, such as lots of emoticons and stickers. Fortunately, this is where all the similarities end because the application does not save personal contacts on its own servers. Wickr Me does not store metadata and completely erases messages at the user's request (without the possibility of recovery).
The app is free, contains no ads, and supports the most secure encryption technologies. So it is a really worthy WhatsApp alternative.
Threema
Threema is a chat platform for a mobile phone, in which privacy takes first place.
Like most other apps on the list, it supports encryption of messages, pictures, and current location. In addition, the messenger supports synchronization with your contact list. For this reason, it is easy to find acquaintances who have joined the service.
The developers themselves and the owners claim that they do not have the ability to read users' private messages. This is a guarantee that everything you write is completely confidential. It is blocked from access by commercial companies or government agencies.
We live in a fascinating time. Wars over the internet, information, and personal data rage on in an eager fashion. Luckily, there are those who are determined -- and talented -- enough to keep the power in the hands of the user. The important thing to remember going forward is that complacency is not the solution.
Conclusion
If you are concerned about privacy on the global network, it's time to abandon WhatsApp. As you know, WhatsApp users will either have to allow the messenger to share their data with Facebook or switch to one of the alternatives.
Although you won't find a product with the same characteristics, several described competitors can fill your needs. Therefore, there is still time to test these messengers and decide if they are suitable for you.