Best alternative to WhatsApp -Signal

WhatsApp privacy update: Signal the alternative of WhatsApp

We take a look at the three messaging apps that you can try to bid farewell to WhatsApp. The list includes Signal, Telegram and Viber.

WhatsApp has revised its privacy policy, which has sparked concern given the data sharing with Facebook and its partner companies. The new privacy policy has certainly caused a lot more people to consider alternatives to WhatsApp. The Signal app for instance has seen a meteoric rise in its popularity, and has topped the charts on iOS, driven by an increase in downloads from India.

Another popular alternative to WhatsApp is Telegram, which while it is not end-to-end encrypted across the app, continues to gain new users. Finally, there’s Viber, which has been a popular app, before WhatsApp started dominating. Here’s a detailed look at these three messaging apps and what you need to keep in mind.

Signal

Currently, the best alternative to WhatsApp if one were to consider the security features and the fact that this is run by a non-profit

Security Features

It has end-to-end encryption based on the Signal protocol, built by American cryptographer Moxie Marlinspike, who is also the CEO of Signal. It means no third-party or even Signal can read your messages. The Signal protocol is open-source, which is another good thing. Signal does not support third-party backups either, which is actually a good thing. All data remains stored locally on the device, and if you do lose access to the device and try to set up Signal on another phone, your previous chat history is lost.

Cross-Platform

Yes, Signal can be used across platforms from Android, iOS, iPad, Mac, Windows and Linux as well. The app shows the name of the contacts that are on Signal, which makes it easy for you to connect.

Groups, video and audio calls

Yes, it supports Group features with a maximum of 150 members. It has recently added Group video calls. The app also supports regular video and audio calls, which are also end-to-end encrypted.

Disappearing Messages

Yes, you can turn on disappearing messages for each chat, which is great. The time can be set by you ranging from five seconds to one week.

Screen Lock, Other features

Yes, there is a screen lock feature. You can also set a PIN to the Signal account to keep your account secure. There is also an incognito keyboard option, which basically doesn’t allow your keyboard to save what you are typing. Other features include fingerprint lock, read Receipts, location sharing, relay calls, archive chats, and more.

There is also a feature called Message Requests, which gives you the option to block, delete, or accept messages from an unknown person. Signal lets you react to any message with emojis. You also get the option to not allow a user to take chat screenshots.

In order to add anyone in a group, the individual will be required to accept the group invitation, unlike WhatsApp. The storage management of the app is really good and quite similar to WhatsApp. You can clear messages, remove videos or images and check different files in the storage management tool.

Data collected 

The key priority of Signal is user privacy, which is why the app doesn’t collect any user data, as per the privacy labels provided on the App Store. The app only stores your phone number or contact information.  When it comes to data collection, this is one of the most minimal apps out there.