With over 2 billion users in 180 countries, WhatsApp is the world's favorite messaging app.
Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp in 2014 left privacy experts and users worried about security. After all, Facebook and its third-party apps have been involved in multiple security breaches, resulting in the leak of private information from thousands of users. However, WhatsApp has always insisted that it is a separate application, dedicated to creating and maintaining a secure messaging service.
This is about to change. Facebook recently announced that they are considering merging three independent messaging platforms. They plan to combine the messaging capabilities of Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram, allowing users to exchange messages between the three networks.
A source confirmed that current plans will include the implementation of end-to-end encryption on all three platforms. This, in theory, would make Facebook Messenger and Instagram as safe as WhatsApp. However, this could also make WhatsApp much less secure, aligning it with the standards of other platforms.
WhatsApp’s Security Loopholes
WhatsApp promises end-to-end encryption, a great security feature. However, there are several shortcomings the company faces.
Its legal disclaimer states: "As part of the Facebook family of companies, WhatsApp receives information from this family of companies and shares it with them. We may use the information we receive from them, and they may use the information we share with them, to help. to operate, provide, improve, understand, personalize, support and market our Services and their offerings."
Facebook and other companies in The Facebook family may also use our information to improve their experience with their own services, for example to provide product recommendations.
We do not store messages from our users in the normal course of providing our Services. However, we do host our user's account information, including profile picture, name of our users' profile or status message, if they choose to include it as part of their account information. " and, this means that while your messages are likely safe, WhatsApp stores user data on private servers.
The company may use this information for marketing purposes.
Additionally, the data stored on its servers can be handed over to the government in the event of an "unusual" event.
Hackers can also break into WhatsApp servers and gain access to users' phone numbers and account details.
Top 5 Best WhatsApp Alternative For Secure Messaging In 2021 | Best For Privacy And Safety
1. Signal
Signal is free, has strong encryption, and works on all mobile platforms.
Like most other messaging apps, Signal is really easy to use.
It also offers voice and video calls, so you don't miss out on WhatsApp. Signal includes desktop installation files so that you can use the application on both your computer and mobile phone.
Each message is encrypted, so only the sender and recipient can read them. The messages are completely unreadable for hackers. Signal uses open source encryption, which allows experts to test it and find bugs.
This makes the application even more secure. Users can choose to have messages disappear by setting a time interval for automatic deletion. This ensures privacy, even if someone else has access to your phone.
Signal has no animated emojis. However, you can import emojis from your device into the app.
Pros:
- End-to-end encryption
- Open source encryption
- Available on all major platforms
- Disappearing messages
Cons:
- No animated emoji
Rating: 4.8 / 5
2. Threema
Threema promises total privacy.
Contact lists and group information are only stored on your phone, not in the app. Messages are deleted as soon as they are delivered.
Plus, you can connect with people using an 8-digit Threema ID instead of a phone number, further protecting your privacy. You can verify contacts with unique QR codes.
Threema provides end-to-end encryption for all types of messages, including texts, voice calls, file shares and group chats. It also encrypts your status messages so that no one can keep track of what you post.
Messages can only be read by the sender and intended recipient. You can use Threema safely in the browser.
Like WhatsApp, the application offers formatting functions, as well as sending locations and files. Unlike WhatsApp, users can create polls and "like" comments on individual messages.
You can even hide private chats and password protect them. Threema is based in Switzerland, known for its privacy laws.
Pros:
- No phone number required
- Contacts can be verified with QR codes
- Text format features
- Password protect your chats
Cons:
- Paid apps
Rating: 4.6 / 5
3. Telegram
With over 200 million active users, Telegram is a popular alternative to WhatsApp.
The cloud-based application works on multiple platforms. Like WhatsApp, it uses a dual flag system to see when someone has received a message.
The app has default end-to-end encryption for voice calls, ensuring that no one can hear your calls.
However, message encryption must be turned on manually to prevent archiving.
Like Signal, Telegram offers the ability to automatically delete a message after a certain time. It also supports sharing of media files.
Pros:
- Open source software
- Easy-to-use cloud-based platform to never lose your stuff
Cons:
- Encryption is not default and must be activated manually
- Created your own standard encryption, which has been criticized
Rating: 4.5 / 5
4. Wire
Protected by European data retention laws, Wire is a secure messaging application with end-to-end encryption.
Offers free personal accounts and paid business plans with additional support and features. Wire has clear voice and video communications.
Wire offers 1: 1 screen sharing and group sharing. It also supports media sharing and audio filter. Available for all major platforms, you can access your account from eight paired devices.
You can format text in bold and italics and create lists within chats. You can also optimize file sizes for easy sharing and set timers to delete messages for privacy reasons.
Pros:
- Secure chats
- Timed messages
- Ability to use 8 devices simultaneously
- Enrich conversations
Cons:
- Paid apps
Rating: 4.4 / 5
5. Riot.IM
It supports VoIP and video calling, as well as end-to-end message encryption.
Each user receives a unique identification; This identification is used in place of a phone number, which helps protect your anonymity.
Riot runs on open source software. Although it has its own bots, developers can create their own. This allows users to interact with the software, making it more versatile and secure. Its open source features make Riot better suited to developer teams than corporate groups.
Riot has chat rooms and users can visit any public chat room. It also offers private rooms that you can visit with a link. Furthermore, the desktop client has a clean and friendly interface and the application is available in seven languages.
It also allows you to connect to other applications.
Pros:
- User ID instead of phone numbers
- Open source software
- Clean desktop client
- Available in seven languages
Cons:
- Encryption is not enabled by default and must be activated manually
Rating: 4.2 / 5
FAQS:
Who are WhatsApp competitors?
The top 10 competitors in the WhatsApp competitive set are LINE, Snap, Kakao, Viber, Telegram, WeChat, Kik, TangoMe, Inc., Skype.
Will WhatsApp shut down in 2020/2021?
Every year, WhatsApp ends support for older iOS and Android smartphones. As of 2020, WhatsApp has stopped working for Android phones running Android 2.3. 7 and earlier, as well as iPhones with iOS 8 and earlier.
Why WhatsApp is not safe?
The messages you send on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted. This means that only your device and that of the recipient can decrypt them. The feature prevents your messages from being intercepted during transmission, even by Facebook itself. However, this does not protect them once they are decrypted on your device.
Why is WhatsApp closing?
The possible reasons for the automatic closing of WhatsApp are: Outdated WhatsApp version: if your iOS or Android has been updated to the latest version, but WhatsApp has not been updated accordingly, WhatsApp may keep closing. Software errors: WhatsApp not working properly could be due to software errors.
Conclusion
If you want to make sure your private messages stay private , you may want to get rid of WhatsApp and look for an alternative. The apps suggested above are known for their strong encryption.
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