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Comparison of messenger services: WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Viber, KakaoTalk, Threema, Ginlo, Facebook Messenger
1. WhatsApp
- Encryption: WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for messages by default, based on the Signal protocol. This means that only the sender and the recipient can read the messages.
- Advantages:
- Widespread: Over 2 billion users worldwide.
- Easy to use and seamlessly integrated into the phone.
- Support for voice and video calls as well as group chats.
- End-to-end encryption for chats and calls.
- Disadvantages:
- Owned by Meta (Facebook), which raises concerns about privacy and data collection.
- Metadata (who, when and how often communication takes place) is collected.
- Limited control over backup encryption (cloud backups are not end-to-end encrypted).
2. Signal
- Encryption: Signal uses strong end-to-end encryption (based on the Signal protocol). Even the Signal Foundation has no access to the content.
- Advantages:
- Highest security and data protection standards that are praised worldwide.
- Open source code that is regularly checked.
- No metadata collection; the only data point stored is the user’s registration date.
- Ability to automatically delete messages and encrypt message backups.
- Disadvantages:
- Less widely used than WhatsApp, which can make it difficult to reach contacts.
- Fewer features compared to WhatsApp and Telegram (e.g. no comprehensive bots or channels).
3. Telegram
- Encryption: By default, messages on Telegram are only encrypted on the server side. End-to-end encryption is only active in “Secret Chats”.
- Advantages:
- Very versatile, supports large groups (up to 200,000 members) and channels for broadcast content.
- Powerful API and bot support.
- Cloud-based messages that are synchronized across devices.
- Flexibility and customization options.
- Disadvantages:
- Standard messages are not end-to-end encrypted.
- Doubts about security and transparency, since the source code of the server part is not open.
- Storage of messages on Telegram servers.
4. Viber
- Encryption: Viber offers end-to-end encryption for individual chats by default. Group chats and calls are also encrypted.
- Advantages:
- Good encryption for chats and calls.
- Integration of numerous additional functions such as games and stickers.
- Ability to make calls to landlines and mobile networks (charges apply).
- Disadvantages:
- Collecting metadata and user data for advertising purposes.
- Not as widely used as WhatsApp or Telegram.
- Proprietary software, which limits transparency.
5. KakaoTalk
- Encryption: KakaoTalk introduced the Secret Chat option in 2014, which offers end-to-end encryption. However, regular chats are only encrypted on the server side.
- Advantages:
- Very popular in South Korea, many additional features (e.g. payment systems, shopping, games).
- Integration with many other Kakao services.
- Disadvantages:
- Standard chats are not end-to-end encrypted.
- Data protection concerns due to extensive data collection.
- Hardly widespread outside South Korea.
6. Threema
- Encryption: Threema uses end-to-end encryption for all types of communication, including messages, calls and files.
- Advantages:
- High level of anonymity, as no phone number or email is required for registration.
- Swiss data protection laws apply, which ensures the protection of user data.
- No storage of metadata.
- Source code for the app is partially open.
- Disadvantages:
- Paid, which is a hurdle for some users.
- Less popular than other messengers like WhatsApp or Signal.
- No cloud backup, which makes data recovery difficult.
7. Ginlo
- Encryption: Ginlo offered end-to-end encryption to ensure data protection. The service was developed in Germany but was discontinued in 2020.
- Advantages:
- Strong focus on data protection and security.
- Server location in Germany, which is subject to German data protection law.
- Disadvantages:
- The service has been discontinued, so no further support or updates.
8. Facebook Messenger
- Encryption: Facebook Messenger offers optional end-to-end encryption for “secret conversations.” However, regular chats are only encrypted on the server side.
- Advantages:
- Widely used, seamless integration with Facebook.
- Rich features including games, payments, and integrations with other Facebook services.
- Video and voice calls are also available.
- Disadvantages:
- No end-to-end encryption by default.
- Collection of extensive user data for advertising purposes.
- Privacy concerns due to the connection to Facebook.
Security and data protection in comparison
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Signal is the most secure messenger, with comprehensive end-to-end encryption, minimal data collection and high transparency through open source code.
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Threema also offers high security and anonymity, but it is less widely used and the app is subject to a fee.
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WhatsApp is widely used and offers end-to-end encryption by default, but there are concerns about data collection and the security of backups.
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Telegram offers many features, but the default encryption is not end-to-end, which can open security holes.
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Viber also offers good encryption, but the proprietary nature and data collection for advertising purposes are disadvantages.
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Facebook Messenger and KakaoTalk are less secure because they do not offer end-to-end encryption for normal chats by default and collect extensive user data.
Conclusion
Signal and Threema are the safest options for users who value privacy and security. WhatsApp offers a good balance between security and functionality, while Telegram is interesting for users who want more flexibility and customization options, but possibly at the expense of security. The other messengers have either made compromises in terms of security or are less popular, which limits their appeal to certain user groups.