Over the years, WhatsApp has changed the way messaging works for everyone. We went from paid SMSs to unlimited texting options, all thanks to the service. However, it’s not like the app does come with its own set of caveats. The most commonly hated reason for many people has been the famous claim of “end-to-end encrypted chats”. While the claim is technically true, it’s kind of baseless when you realise that it’s just for the namesake.
Once you line up your chats in a cloud backup, the end-to-end encryption disappears. Chat backups are usually automatic and are stored on Google Drive or iCloud, which are not encrypted unless you manually enable them. As a result, the majority of users never enable encrypted backups, leaving their message history fully accessible to the cloud platform. Even if you do enable them, the chances of the other person doing the same are very low.
This isn’t a minor problem, as it’s a big flaw in how messaging on WhatsApp works. So if you are done with WhatsApp and are seeking better alternatives, here are five apps that are worth checking out, which handle encryption a lot more seriously.
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Signal is one of the most popular messaging apps, and it has been regarded as the best option for private chatting by many. You’d be surprised to know that Signal’s encryption is actually based on the same tech that WhatsApp uses, except Signal actually follows through. Meaning that every message and call you make is encrypted end-to-end.
Unlike WhatsApp, Signal doesn’t even collect any sort of user data for advertising. The only problem that could arise for many would be regarding backups, as Signal doesn’t offer any support for cloud backups at all. But that’s for more privacy, due to which the messages stay on your device and can only be transferred manually. Not a big issue if you are willing to have a more privacy-focused experience.
Yet another alternative comes in the form of Threema, which takes things further by not even requiring your phone number. Instead, you get a unique ID upon registration, and once your messages are delivered to the receivers, the app then deletes the messages from its servers. The only particular downside with the app is that it’s not free to use, which limits your contacts.
Unlike other options, the app requires purchasing it for Rs 650, which thankfully is a one-time fee. But getting your family and friends to switch to a paid experience from a free one is definitely a tough task, so good luck with that.
Wire is the most underrated option on this list, as it uses the Signal Protocol for end-to-end encryption across all chats and calls. The advantage of this particular encryption is that it is a fully open-source one. It syncs easily across multiple devices, and unlike WhatsApp, where opt-in security is often ignored, Wire defaults to genuine encryption.
Thankfully, it’s free for personal use. But do note that users have reported a few bugs with the app, which have resulted in bad reviews on the Google Play Store. So your experience with the app might vary, but it’s definitely worth giving a shot.
If you’re in the market for the most private texting solution, then Session is easily one of the best apps on our list. And that’s because, unlike the other options, it’s the most secure one. The app achieves this by being anonymous and getting completely rid of any sort of phone numbers, emails, or usernames entirely.
Rather, you get a random Session ID, which has been made to protect your identity. All the texting you do moves from a decentralised network that is more private than any other service. Using Signal as an alternative to WhatsApp would be a bit of a stretch, but it’s definitely an option worth considering for an anonymous experience.
Telegram is also an option to look out for, and while it’s true that, unlike the other alternatives, it’s not completely end-to-end encrypted, there are a few things that make it a decent choice. The app uses client-server encryption for regular chats, meaning Telegram’s servers can read your messages. However, end-to-end encryption is available once you manually start a secret chat.
While most don’t turn on the secret chats feature by default, it is definitely an option worth considering when you think about its popularity. Most Indians use Telegram, so you won’t have to spare much effort asking your friends and family to download a new app for texting.
In today’s digital age, where security concerns are essential, the aforementioned apps are upfront about end-to-end encrypted chatting, which is why it makes them worthy alternatives. We hope you discovered newer apps that serve as alternatives to WhatsApp. For more such informative stories, keep on reading Digit.in
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