The best alternatives to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger

From February 8, 2021, WhatsApp users, like Messenger users, will have to share some of their private data with Facebook. So far, the terms of use left the choice of dates open to share with the American giant.

As a result, the company states that the user’s phone number, transaction and location details, and IP address will now be used for commercial purposes.

Other cloudy data such as “service-related information” or “information” on their mobile devices are also shared with Facebook.

What couriers know about you pic.twitter.com/HOMXNbXs0T

– Gilles Babinet (@babgi) January 9, 2021

This new policy (which we would expect) sparked an anti-Facebook noose Many users quit WhatsApp.

But to leave him for what? Facebook Messenger? This messaging app has been using a lot more user data for a long time. What else ?

WhatsApp regulars are amazed at the best possible alternative to the secure messaging service bought by Facebook in 2014. If Signal is at the top of downloads in the App Store, other services are also worth a look.

Here is our selection of the best alternatives to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

Signal: Recommended by Edward Snowden

Signal is an app developed by the Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger LLC. It is unmistakable the best alternative to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

First, because Signal works on the same basis as WhatsApp. You will therefore not get lost in its surface. With Signal, you can send / receive messages, files, photos to your family, friends or groups, and make voice and video calls. You can even make Signal your SMS service.

The developers have added Features to improve privacy. For example, you can choose to hide the messages after a certain period of time.

Most of time, Signal is known for its very high level of data protection. So much so that Edward Snowden and Elon Musk strongly recommend using this service. Messages are encrypted throughout and your data is neither stored on servers nor linked to your identity.

Signal is available for iOS, Android, iPadOS, macOS, Windows and Linux.

Telegram: the government’s messaging app

© iPhon.fr

Telegram has been gaining followers in France for several years. And for good reason This application is used by high government institutionsincluding the Elysees.

Like Signal, Telegram is a much safer alternative to WhatsApp and Messenger. The data is encrypted throughout and The application uses an MT Proto protocol of course more. In addition, the decryption keys are divided into two parts to further improve security. Telegram indicates that these keys are not “Never keep in the same place as the data it protects”.

In practice, Telegram looks like any other intelligence service. However, This app does not allow video calls, a real flaw compared to Signal.

However, other features make it more interesting. We are thinking, for example, of the possibility of exchanging large files (up to 1.5 GB), having secret discussions or forming super groups with up to 100,000 people. It is even possible to have fun with mini-games.

Telegram is also available for iOS, Android, iPadOS, MacOS, Windows and Linux.

Wire: Approved by security experts

Wire is a German-Swiss application created by Janus Friis, co-developer of Skype. Don’t run away, Wire is much better designed and secure than Microsoft’s service.

In reality, This application is the most recommended by security professionals. It was particularly praised by Kudelski Security and X41 D-Sec in 2017 and is subject to regular independent audits to anticipate potential problems.

This very good student in matters of safety is also doing very well in the field of ergonomics. Wire is a minimalist, clean and simple application User interface with the same functionality as Signal (messages, voice and video calls, sending files, etc.).

Wire was originally intended for the general public and has taken a more professional turn in recent years. Business offers provide access to additional services that bring Wire Slack a step closer, with particular attention being paid to data security.

Wire is available for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, iPadOS, and Linux.

Threema: the little Swiss

Less known than Wire, Threema, however, is one of the best alternatives to WhatsApp. This service, developed by the Swiss company of the same name, includes all traditional packages: messaging, calls, video, sending files, all encrypted throughout.

Open source since September 2020, the application limits the data transmitted through the servers as much as possible. To further strengthen the protection of your data, Threema does not ask for a login, Phone number or other personal information.

When it starts, the application itself generates an 8-digit identifier that you can share with anyone you want via a QR code. Metadata and IP addresses are also not identifiable.

Only problem Threema is a paid application (3.99 euros)which limits his interest in other free alternatives.

Threema is available for iOS and Android. You can also use it on a PC or Mac, but use your smartphone when you start.