As such, in this article, we will talk about that, comparing Signal vs Telegram vs WhatsApp, to show you which one respects you the most. Almost 7 years after purchasing WhatsApp, Mark Zuckerberg will force its users to have all their data shared with Facebook! The CEO had previously stated that this would never happen, but in 2016 he took a step back and gave the users the choice of whether or not they wanted their data to be shared. Now, this sharing will finally be mandatory, and it will be one of the main conditions for you to keep using WhatsApp. Taking into account the data safety fiasco that happened a few years ago with Facebook users, it’s almost a given a lot of people will want to avoid this sharing. That’s where some safer apps such as Signal and Telegram become more appealing, and you can find out some of their most important privacy and safety practices down below to decide which one is the best option for you!
Signal vs Telegram vs WhatsApp: what is Signal?
Let’s start talking about the most recent of the apps we’ve mentioned since you might not even know about Signal yet. Even though it was created in 2014, the app only got a stable release between the end of 2020 and the start of 2021 for Android, iOS, and macOS, and Windows PCs for the desktop version. This is definitely the most highly recommended app for those who want total safety and privacy. It offers end-to-end encryption in all chats, and stores the decryption keys on the users’ smartphones and computers to prevent possible forgery, being the safest option among Signal vs Telegram vs WhatsApp. Other than that, the users can log in by using numeric codes or via a QR code. This basically means that Signal doesn’t store almost any data whatsoever that you don’t want it to. This includes all your info, your contacts, your history, your conversations, your location, your profile name, your groups, and more. The app doesn’t even back up the data you have in it if you don’t want it to! Of course, there’s the option for you to back up, but you have to choose to do so. It is also possible to receive sealed messages from people who you don’t have on your contact list or with whom you haven’t shared your app profile. It’s also possible to hide your IP address and there are a lot of options as to how the messages can self-destruct after a while. As you must have already noticed, this is the app you should use if you want complete control over your data and your privacy. Other than that, however, it works as a pretty standard messaging app. Since it is relatively new when compared to the other options in Signal vs Telegram vs WhatsApp, it’s to be expected that some of the features found on the rivals are missing, but it’s only a matter of time until they’re included. Signal is available to be downloaded on the Play Store, on the App Store, and on the official website.
Signal vs Telegram vs WhatsApp: what is Telegram?
Next up, we will talk about Telegram, one that seems to be a great middle-ground between what Signal and WhatsApp offer. It also features end-to-end encryption, but that’s not something that comes enabled as the default option. The default is that you use the cloud chatting system, which makes all your chats be stored on Telegram’s servers. This also means that you will have a complete cloud backup and that Telegram can have access to your messages. Luckily, you can easily opt to use the encrypted version easily if you’re looking for a lot more safety. They also offer the secret chats feature, where no one can take screenshots, and the messages can even be set to self-destruct after a while. Other than the secret chat, you can even create self-destructing messages even on regular chats. Beyond all of that, you will have full control over your messages, so you can delete them forever at any moment, without even a limit of time after you send them! They also offer the possibility of locking the app with a password or a fingerprint. Basically, you can definitely notice how many privacy options they have, but none as complete as those that Signal offers. This will not be an issue for most users, so it still is an amazing option when it comes to Signal vs Telegram vs WhatsApp. Finally, we can also say that Telegram offers some pretty incredible features for a messaging app, even more so since it offers more than WhatsApp, a platform that usually takes quite a while to introduce new features. If you’re interested, you can download Telegram on the Play Store, on the App Store, as well as for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers on the official website, and even use its web version on any of the best web browsers!
Signal vs Telegram vs WhatsApp: how are they better than WhatsApp?
And now, of course we will talk about WhatsApp, a platform that’s losing quite a lot of users since Facebook’s latest announcement. In fact, it lost the top spot among the Top Free apps since what Facebook said, and now both Signal and Telegram are way ahead of it. This will not necessarily hold true in the long run, but it’s quite impressive that such a large number of users have taken these measures to protect themselves further. As the other two, WhatsApp also offers end-to-end encryption. This is true for your text messages, the files you send, your phone calls, videos and audios, and more. However, you can’t create self-destructing messages, and while you can delete them by hand, the other user will be notified. The app is actually testing a new feature where the messages will self-delete after 7 days, but nobody knows when this will reach the users. Other than that, it also offers ways to lock the app with a password or a fingerprint. The biggest issue is that the mandatory data sharing to Facebook will render all of your data much more vulnerable. Of course, it’s up to you if this will make you want to stop using the app or not.
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Did you understand the differences between Signal vs Telegram vs WhatsApp when it comes to the safety and the privacy they provide? Leave a comment with your opinion, and don’t forget to also check out the best parental control software, the best WhatsApp tips and tricks, and the best free Android apps!
