We've all heard about the recent update of WhatsApp's terms of service. We were all supposed to agree to them by 6th February or we would be unable to use the messaging service, they told us. After the huge social media backlash and millions moving to or threatening to move to other messaging apps, WhatsApp decided to push back the acceptance deadline. They also clarified that the app would be collecting user data from WhatsApp business accounts and not personal chats/calls. However, if one is still not convinced, here are some WhatsApp alternatives:
This messaging service uses a phone number as an identifier and uses end to end encryption for all messages. It includes one-to-one and group messaging, voice calls, and transmits voice notes, videos, images and other files. The messaging app was launched by a nonprofit and is based on open-source software, so there are no ads, no tracking. An estimated 50 million android devices have Signal installed.
This is another open-source instant cloud-based messaging app that works cross-platform. Telegram has been around since 2013 and is available for phone and desktop users. Apart from sending messages, making calls, sending voice messages and media, one can share location, send animated stickers and more. Telegram was the highest downloaded app in January 2021 and now has 500 million active users so there is a good chance that you will find your friends and relatives on this platform.
Viber has been around since 2010 and many current WhatsApp users had a short flirtation with the messenger app before losing interest. One benefit is that you can use this app on the desktop without needing mobile connectivity. An estimated one billion users were registered on Viber as on 2018. Group chats with up to 250 members and group calls with up to 20 participants are possible and the app has useful chat extensions to easily access Spotify, YouTube, Booking etc.
This messaging app started as a music-sharing app and has many of the features of the others mentioned above. However, it does not offer end-to-end encryption. It also logs the user’s IP address which can potentially be used to determine user location. It is also known to report conversations to law enforcement organisations. Popular among American teens, this has about 300 million registered users.
This messaging app is geared more for professional uses and video conferencing. It is also an on-demand solution for crisis collaboration It has a paid version as well as a free version for external business partners, friends and family. The app has features such as the one click conference call button, file collaborations, ephemeral messages and device fingerprinting.
This is the Chinese answer to WhatsApp and is more popular in that country. It was launched in 2011 and by 2018 it was the world’s largest standalone mobile app. In China, it is described as the super-app or the app for everything. Apart from the usual features, it has the one-to-man broadcast feature, video games, etc. The most ominous feature of WeChat is that it is frequently used by Chinese authorities as part of their mass surveillance network. In any case, this option is currently not available since WeChat was banned in India along with several other Chinese apps. Maybe when this is available in India again, it will be useful as yet another alternative to WhatsApp.
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