Elon Musk recently said that people should stop using the widely used instant messaging app from Facebook, WhatsApp, because of its new privacy policy that shares user data to the mother social media company. The techie CEO suggested using "Signal" instead, another instant messaging application specializing in encrypted messaging and features.
When a technology-inclined popular figure warns users to use another app because of its concerning threats to privacy, security, and data, it may be a good indication that he is looking out for the public's best interests-the Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, etc. CEO Elon Musk looks right out for the people and shares that people use Signalover WhatsApp for its features.
WhatsApp has been in various controversies in the past months, with its mother company facing several data privacy issues that take more for its requirements to optimize its applications. However, its recent development this 2021 is to ask for more data and give it to Facebook, including private information that users keep.
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WhatsApp Alternatives 2021: Elon Musk's Signal, and MORE
That being said, it is not the end of the world or the lack of messaging applications that people cannot trust or rely on with data safety and privacy. The number one suggestion of the Tesla CEO is to use an open-source application called Signal for an authentic encrypted messaging experience that does not leak any data from its users.
Signal
Signal is available on both Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Desktop versions (Windows and Mac). The open-source application is atop this list because Elon Musk vouched for it, and it features one of the top encryptions among the present messaging applications available.
According to VPN Mentor, the only "con" for the messaging app is that it does not have animated emojis built-in but can be transferred to its unique characters.
Signal: Apple App Store | Google Play | Desktop: Windows, Mac
Telegram
Telegram is a popular instant messaging application that also offers end-to-end encryption, provided that users use the "private message" feature that hides it from the application's servers. The application is cloud-based and is somehow similar to WhatsApp's "double-tick" system.
The instant messaging application has numerous functions, including in-app bots, voice and video calls, and other lifestyle features in the app. Moreover, multimedia file sharing is widely available and accessible.
Telegram: Apple App Store | Google Play | Desktop: Windows, Mac
Threema
Three is a paid app specializing in privacy and does not require phone numbers to verify an account, further concealing one's identity and demographic. The unique Threema ID uses an 8-digit username that can be shared using QR codes instead.
Threema: Apple App Store | Google Play | Desktop via Web Browser
Wire
Wire is another paid application specializing in data privacy as protected by the EU's data privacy laws. The app offers free personal accounts, encrypted messaging features, and security. Its business features include group sharing, video calls, and additional support.
Wire: Apple App Store | Google Play | Desktop: Windows, Mac, Linux
Wickr. Me
Wickr.Me is a free personal messaging application that offers end-to-end encryption and voice calls that specialize in data privacy. Users can set disappearing messages or a time limit for the entire conversation to disappear. Wickr does not store messages or passwords on the application.
Wickr.Me: Apple App Store | Google Play | Desktop: Windows, Mac
Related Article: Elon Musk Suggests Using Signal! Here's Why You Should Use It Instead of WhatsApp
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Isaiah Alonzo
