The facebook owned WhatsApp came out with a recent policy change through which it will be transferring user data to Facebook and its subsidiary companies.
This incidence was enough to fire up data privacy concerns around the globe, given Facebook’s dubious dealings when it comes to managing user data.
Even before this, WhatsApp got itself embroiled in another controversy when it was found that its end-to-end encryption was not that safe.
So it’s obvious people are searching for WhatsApp alternative apps and comparing WhatsApp Vs Signal and WhatsApp Vs Telegram.
Signal has emerged as one of the top contenders as WhatsApp Alternative Indian app as it makes huge claims about protecting user data data at any cost. Let’s analyse.
| Feature | Signal | |
| Finance model | Acquired by Facebook in 2014 | Non-profit organizations, runs on donations |
| Communication | Allows broadcasting of the same message to all contacts using the app | Current version does not support broadcasting of message |
| Notes | You have to create a group with only you as the member to note down important tasks | It has a note to self feature for jotting down tasks on top of your head |
| Security | WhatsApp uses E2E protocol for securing your chats It does not encrypt metadata | Signal too E2E protocol and also secures metadata with the help of Sealed sender feature. |
| Data collected by the app | Whatsapp makes use of device ID, location, phone number, email address etc. | Signal only collects your phone number for functioning properly |
| No. of downloads | The app has been downloaded more than 5 billion times | The app has been downloaded more than 10 million times |
Suggested Read: 11 Best Indian Messaging Apps that are Made in India
Telegram is another contender which presents a strong case to be considered as a suitable WhatsApp alternative. We do an in depth analysis of the major difference between Telegram and WhatsApp.
| Features | Telegram | |
| Finance model | Acquired by Facebook in 2014 | Privately owned and funded by Pavel Durov |
| Limit on group members | You can add up to 256 members in a single group | You can add up to 2,00,000 members in a single group |
| Size of shared files | Images, documents, videos larger than 100 MB cannot be shared using WhatsApp’s platform | Telegram allows you to share documents and files upto 1.5 GB in size |
| Security | WhatsApp uses E2E protocol for securing your chats It does not encrypt metadata | Although Telegram makes use of E2E encryption, it is not enabled automatically. It can be used only during the secret chat feature |
| Data collected by the app | Whatsapp makes use of device ID, location, phone number, email address etc. | Telegram collects limited user data which includes only user ID and contact info. |
| No. of downloads | The app has been downloaded more than 5 billion times | The app has been downloaded more than 500 million times |
WhatsApp Features
WhatsApp Privacy Policy
After modifications in its privacy policy caused an uproar, Whatsapp has come out with a clarification that it won’t be sending your personal chats with family or friends to Facebook. Neither would it be eavesdropping on calls made through its platform. The changes would enable business accounts on WhatsApp to use Facebook’s hosting services. WhatsApp will then track how you interact with these businesses and send this data to Facebook.
Telegram Features
Telegram Privacy Policies
As per Telegram’s privacy policy, none of your data is used for showing ads. Telegram collects basic information about you such as your contact number and email address for bettering the service provided by the app.
Signal Features
Signal privacy policy
Signal does not utilize your data for the purpose of running targeted ads. It requires access to basic information such as your contacts and phone number.
It goes without saying that WhatsApp is the most popular instant messaging platform. It has recently started supporting online payments and can also be used for business promotions. But it is fast losing confidence when it comes to keeping user data private and protected.
That is why people are looking for WhatsApp alternative apps. Telegram and Signal have some truly commendable features but are not hugely popular as WhatsApp. So if you want to keep your data safe at any cost, you can cut off from the mainstream and use Signal or Telegram. But if you use WhatsApp extensively for professional and personal use, then you might have to swallow a bitter pill and settle for the comfort WhatsApp brings.
You can also check 18 Best Free Bulk WhatsApp Sender Tools Online for Marketing
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