WhatsApp has been using new data protection terms since May 15th. Critics are warning of new ways to share data with its parent company, Facebook. WhatsApp denies this and maintains that it is about laying the groundwork for further communication with companies.
There should be restrictions on all WhatsApp users who have repeatedly spoken out against accepting the new terms and conditions. The goal is to remove jobs gradually: you will no longer be able to access the chat menu, for example. After a few weeks, users will be almost completely banned from the WhatsApp network.
Sooner or later, users who don’t want to agree to WhatsApp’s new data protection rules will have to search for a free alternative – we’ll show you the best messaging software for Android and iOS.
Signal: the safest messaging software ever?
What could be better Edward Snowden himself Recommend Signal: Messenger is now one of the most secure services in the world. The encryption has been tested many times and found to be strong, messages destroy themselves with just one click and the entire application including the open source protocol.
Even WhatsApp learns from Signal: the world’s most popular messaging program also uses Signals to transmit encrypted messages. But since WhatsApp is not open source, you cannot be sure whether the developers have built a vulnerability or not. Plus, getting around via WhatsApp Web is also a common point of attack, even if that is BKA uses it to read WhatsApp messages in real time .
pointing to Male in appearance And for iOS We hope you enjoy this show.
Advantages
Open source software End-to-end encryption The data is saved locally
disadvantage
Cell phone number is required There is no transfer of uncompressed images
Download: Signal Messenger
Threema: Another safe alternative to WhatsApp
Unlike most messaging services, Threema comes from Europe – more precisely, Switzerland. According to the developer, there are also all messaging software servers, which cost around € 4, which aim to ensure the security and data protection of messages. Threema is now also completely open source, which means the developers have kept their promise.
However, the number of users is likely to be a flaw for Threema: while Telegram, for example, is gaining more and more users, Threema numbers have remained steady since Facebook acquired WhatsApp, as Messenger first became popular. Threema for both Male in appearance As well as for iOS Available.
Advantages
Relatively large distribution in Germany End-to-end encryption
disadvantage
Download It is not fully open source yet
Telegram: write messages on all platforms
Similar to WhatsApp and Signal, Telegram encrypts its messages with end-to-end encryption so that hackers and curious readers are blocked. Although the service is not completely open source, it has a larger user base than Signal.
Telegram also works seamlessly on your computer, smartphone, and tablet, thus it can be used smoothly like WhatsApp. Groups in Telegram can also have hundreds of thousands of users and messages are self-destructing here as well.
Messenger for both Male in appearance As well as for iOS We hope you enjoy this show.
Advantages
Many users are in Germany Chat robots are expanding the range of functions
disadvantage
A platform that is increasingly attracting conspiracy theorists and extremist groups Cell phone number is required It is not completely open source
Component: decentralized and encrypted chat
part It is an open source messaging software for the Matrix project that promises an especially high level of data security.
Open Network Matrix supports IRC and XMPP conversations, as well as video telephony with end-to-end encryption. With Element (formerly known as Riot.im), you can use Messenger on almost any platform.
In the past, registration was entirely possible without an email address or phone number. Now, to use the Matrix main server you have to enter an email to which the activation link will be sent. You can have one-on-one conversations, brainstorm in groups, or open channels all over the Element universe. This way, files can also be shared in a team.
Also practical: in part You can also use bridges to exchange information with other network users, for example Telegram, Mumble or IRC.
Advantages
End-to-end encryption Private server possible
disadvantage
Relatively low distribution The email address is required to register with the Matrix Master Server
TeleGuard: ideal for teachers and students
The Messenger who is still relatively unknown TeleGuard He wants to ensure users have the greatest possible anonymity and thus does not require a phone number or email address when creating a profile. The app is GDPR compliant, but it does not have to provide any information to the European Union due to the server’s location in Switzerland.
This makes the app suitable not only for private use, but also for school use. Data protection plays a particularly important role here. Messages and calls are encrypted using the SALSA 20 algorithm. Currently only club functionality offers any added value, as features such as search functionality or invitations are still missing.
Advantages
No phone number needed End-to-end encryption A server in Switzerland
disadvantage
Few users at the moment Clubs hardly have any jobs at the moment
