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What's up with WhatsApp?

Ever since WhatsApp announced an update to its privacy policy in January 2021 millions have moved to rivals Signal and Telegram.

What's up with WhatsApp? | Podcast | The Guardian | 29 Jan 2021 | 20m 42s

The privacy update relates specifically to features that allow users to message and interact with businesses. However, Facebook doesn't have a terrific track record when it comes to privacy. Some say it's the thin end of yet another privacy wedge and its difficult to ignore the fact that WhatsApp founder Jan Koum left Facebook over privacy and encryption disagreements.

Though WhatsApp has delayed the update¹ that has caused both confusion and anger among users, it will be interesting to see whether this brouhaha signals a more substantial shift away from WhatsApp. .. and Facebook, for that matter.

A nerve has been struck hard and even if Facebook is completely 'innocent' the optics, as they say, are pretty awful. Facebook has a mountain to climb, perhaps several, if it's to regain the trust of its users ... something in short supply when it comes to big data tech giants and privacy.

So, which messaging app best protects your privacy? Do you care? Does it matter?

¹ From 8 Feb to 15 May 2021

Signal

Does not collect data, only your phone number
Free, no ads, funded by nonprofit Signal Foundation
Fully open-source

Signal | Signal
Signal | Wikipedia

Telegram

Data linked to you: Name, phone number, contacts, user ID
Free, forthcoming Ad Platform and premium features, funded mainly by founder
Only partially open-source

Telegram | Telegram
Telegram | Wikipedia

WhatsApp

Data linked to you: Too much to list (see below)
Free; business versions available for free, funded by Facebook
Not open-source, except for encryption

WhatsApp | WhatsApp
WhatsApp | Wikipedia

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What's up with WhatsApp?

1 From 8 Feb to 15 May 2021

¹ From 8 Feb to 15 May 2021