WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps out there, with over five billion downloads across Google Play and Apstore. However, WhatsApp changed its user policy and seriously violated its privacy. If you do not agree to this condition, Whatsapp will delete user accounts on 8/2/2021. This policy created a wave of protests and many users chose other applications or so, which is Signal and Telegram? In this article, we will analyze whether we should choose Signal or Telegram for more secure messaging.
Why should you stop using WhatsApp?
Based on WhatsApp’s new privacy policy, the messaging app will be required to share user’s data with Facebook starting Feb. 8. Users have no choice but to accept the changes or is prohibited from using Whatsapp.
The information shared will include “account registration information (such as your phone number), transaction data, service-related information, information about how you interact with others”. and many other information.
Signal and Telegram: Best WhatsApp Alternatives?
Signal and Telegram are both reliable and easy-to-use secure messaging apps. Here are the major differences between the two WhatsApp alternatives.
Privacy
Privacy is one of the biggest concerns for Internet users. Now, the big question – which apps between Signal and Telegram protect the most privacy?
We’ll answer that by looking at Apple’s new “app security label”, which tells the user what data is being collected by an application – which serves as one of the biggest catalysts. in making changes to the WhatsApp privacy policy.
IOS privacy labels are divided into three categories – Data used to track you, Data associated with you, and data not associated with you.
For Signal and Telegram, we can say Signal is the most private messaging app here. Signal does not attempt to identify you or your account while Telegram can with the help of User ID. As such, Telegram also focuses on privacy if you compare it to many other messaging apps.
Messaging feature
If you are looking for the best WhatsApp alternative, rest assured because Signal and Telegram both have a lot of features. However, you will notice a few differences between the two.
Signal Private messaging features are not available on Telegram
- Turn off read notifications and text messages (typing). Turning them off means that the recipient won’t know if you’ve read the message and whether you’ve entered something.
- Quickly reply to messages with emoji responses
Telegram messaging features are not available on Signal
- See the online status or last seen recipient
- Start chatting with someone without knowing their phone number
- Telegram groups can have up to 200,000 members
- You can send stickers and animated GIFs.
- You can edit the message after it has been sent.
- Delete messages from the group if you are the administrator
- Chats can be organized into folders
Comparing the two, Telegram has the upper hand in terms of features. However, Signal is constantly improving and adding new things.
Generally these 2 applications are easy to use, if you are switching from WhatsApp, you should have no problems using Signal or Telegram.
Support equipment
Telegram homepage: https://telegram.org
Signal homepage: https://signal.org
Signal and Telegram are available on Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
However, Telegram also has a web version and Chrome web extension.
Should I use Signal or Telegram?
Overall, Signal and Telegram are both good WhatsApp alternatives. However, if we take into account specific areas, Signal cannot be beaten in terms of privacy while Telegram is the winner when it comes to features.
However, you should choose which application that your friends use a lot, but use it without anyone texting nor hehe.
