

Nobody can view details of who is messaging whom, not even Signal.įurther, Signal also supports encrypted group calls and encrypts all your local files with a 4-digit passcode. But it goes further and encrypts the metadata too for complete user privacy. Just like WhatsApp, Signal ensures end-to-end encryption of all your messages through the open-source Signal Protocol. This is one of the main reasons to consider an alternative like Signal. Moreover, WhatsApp has also faced data breaches that have cast it in poor light. But the new privacy policy is causing a stir due to new revelations of how data will be shared with Facebook and other third parties. Overall, WhatsApp does provide some essential security features. This is pretty standard for other messaging apps too. device operations information, and identifiers (including identifiers unique to Facebook Company Products associated with the same device or account).Īs for user-controlled security features, WhatsApp allows you to set up an app lock as well as two-factor authentication (2FA) if you like.your phone’s battery level and signal strength,.mobile network, connection information (including phone number, mobile operator or ISP),.This is a cause of concern as it gives authorities information about whom you messaged, when and for how long.įurthermore, according to the new policy, here is the data that WhatsApp will collect about you and share with Facebook and potentially with other third parties too: Nor does it encrypt the metadata that is used to carry communication between two endpoints. However, WhatsApp does not encrypt your local and cloud backups. This is great because it is open source and has been reviewed as one of the most secure E2E protocols for messaging platforms. Moreover , WhatsApp uses the same E2E protocol as Signal, developed by Open Whisper Systems. Therefore, only you and the recipient can view the information exchanged, and WhatsApp does not pry into it. The good news is that WhatsApp uses this on all modes of communication, such as text and audio messages, voice and video calls, photos, and anything else you share. The first thing that comes to mind when considering security is end-to-end encryption. Has refused to cooperate with intelligence agencies No logging of time stamps and IP addresses One of the prime questions on everyone’s minds is WhatsApp or Signal – what’s the difference, and which one should you use? I did some digging and tried both apps to give you this detailed comparison of the features and privacy. Concerned about the latest updates to the WhatsApp Privacy Policy 2021 and considering switching to an alternative? Well, you’re not alone.
