Best WhatsApp alternatives – 4 safe chat apps that will keep your messages private
These apps include 'self destruct' features and end to end encryption as standard
WHATSAPP is the most popular messaging app in the world but it's not necessarily the most private.
Although still very safe, if you're looking for a WhatsApp alternative then the following apps are some of the most private and secure ways to stay connected.
iMessage
You can only get this instant messaging service on iPhones which arguably is what makes end to end encryption of messages much easier.
Apple users also have the option of going to "Settings" and making sure their text messages are set to be deleted every 30 days.
Like on WhatsApp, you can turn off read receipts on iMessage so people can't see when you've read their message.
You can also turn off lock screen notifications so your messages can only be viewed when you open your phone.
Signal
Signal app servers never have access to any communication and are said to never store your data.
It also encrypts all calls and messages made through the app.
Like other apps it enables you to force delete messages but experts have prodded its end to end encryption security before and found it to to be much more secure than some competitors.
Viber
Viber has end to end encryption set as the default mode for all messages.
It lets you delete any type of message you've sent so no one in the chat can see it anymore and was the first global messaging app to introduce this feature.
The "Secret Chats" feature lets you set a self destruct timer on messages so that they can be deleted almost instantly, which could be useful for the likes of credit card information or any data that you don't want someone to have for too long.
Viber also has a "Hidden Chats" section that can only be accessed with a personal pin.
Dust
Formerly called Cyber Dust, the company behind the app claims that all of its users messages are heavily encrypted so no one could ever access them.
It also ensures no messages are ever permanently stored on phones or servers.
Importantly, if you accidentally send a message you shouldn't have then you can delete it from someone else's phone as well as your own.
Dust aims to create enhanced communication and privacy by combining two types of encryption methods called AES 128 and RSA 248 encryption.
WhatsApp – a quick history
Here's what you need to know...
- WhatsApp was created in 2009 by computer programmers Brian Acton and Jan Koum - former employees of Yahoo
- It's one of the most popular messaging services in the world
- Koum came up with the name WhatsApp because it sounded like "what's up"
- After a number of tweaks the app was released with a messaging component in June 2009, with 250,000 active users
- It was originally free but switched to a paid service to avoid growing too fast
- Facebook bought WhatsApp Inc in February 2014 for $19.3billion (£14.64bn)
- The app is particularly popular because all messages are encrypted during transit, shutting out snoopers
- As of February 2017, WhatsApp has over 1.2 billion users globally
In other news, WhatsApp is set to stop working on thousands after being pulled from Windows phones.
Users of the messaging service around the world have been asked to update their devices after a security flaw.
If you're unsure how to update, here's our guide describing how.
Are you a big fan of WhatsApp? Let us know in the comments...
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