(When my son was out of country [military], Signal was preferred by the Dept. of Defense as a way to text with him. In fact, that was the only text app they could use… that sold me, #1 — but here is why the military prefers it over other messaging apps.)
In this episode, we explore why it’s time to drop WhatsApp and switch to Signal.
- Signal has more than 40 million monthly users, according to its website. Signal is most popular with privacy-focused people, including journalists, activists, governments, cybersecurity experts, and high profile tech leaders like Twitter CEO Jack Dempsey and Tesla’s Elon Musk. (Signal vs. WhatsApp: How Are They Different and Which Is Right For You?)
- Facebook does, however, enhance its ad targeting profiles using information gained through the app. In other words, with the gathered WhatsApp information, Facebook is able to better sell ads on its other products. (What Does WhatsApp Know About Me?)
Via BERNIE’S TWEETS:
SURVEILLANCE – Listen carefully to the CEO of Signal explain the depth of the Online harms bill Ofcom and the WEF have specified.
It would mean Ofcom has the power to force all UK citizens to download Spyware that checks their messages before they are sent against a database of what is permissible to say!
Authoritarian invasions of your privacy will be mandatory in the new world order they didn’t ask you to vote for.
How secure is WhatsApp?
Facebook cannot access chats due to the end-to-end encryption, but the firm can take user data.
Facebook has access to WhatsApp user phone numbers, IP addresses, mobile network, length of time using the messenger, payment data, cookies, and location data, according to WIRED.
Some users had chosen to opt-out of allowing Facebook to access personal data back in 2016. But WhatsApp said if all users do not agree to share information by February 8, they will lose access to the app.
Insider’s Rob Price reported that outside apps can track WhatsApp users’ online activity, including who they’re talking to, when they’re using the app, and even when they’re sleeping.
How secure is Signal?
Signal says it does not obtain user messages, groups, contacts, or profile information. The only two pieces of information Signal collects are how long users have had Signal installed and the last date it was installed.
The company also open sources all of its software, meaning the public can view how the tech was made inspect the code themselves.
Signal has received a vow of confidence from many security experts, including Edward Snowden. Journalists at Vice and The Intercept recommend using Signal over WhatsApp to ensure your messages remain private.
What’s causing the furor over WhatsApp’s new policy? Updates terms of service & privacy for users, users have to accept it if they want to continue using the app. Changes in the way user data are handled. More information & data may be shared with Facebook. The new policy comes into effect from Feb 8th. Is Signal the alternative to WhatsApp? It is the most secure of all messaging apps in terms of privacy.
Non- profit organization with privacy tech at its core. Edward Snowden & Elon Musk swear by it. Watch the full debate with Amit Somani, Managing Partner, Prime Ventures, Pavel Naiya, Senior Analyst, Counterpoint Technology Market Research, and Aditya Chunduru, Journalist, Medianama with Tamanna Inamdar.
This large excerpt is from VPN OVERVIEW:
WhatsApp has been the go-to instant messaging app for many years, with two billion people using it each month to exchange messages with colleagues, friends, and families. But, as people began looking for more privacy-focused alternatives, the debate between Signal vs. WhatsApp continued to heat up.
Users like WhatsApp because it is free, most of their connections already use it, and it doesn’t require you to have a social media account to use it. (Hello, Facebook Messenger, we’re talking to you.)
But WhatsApp isn’t always the perfect way to chat, as recent events have shown. It also has its share of privacy issues. Add to this the fact that WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, and it isn’t surprising so many WhatsApp users are considering a change to how they instantly communicate with friends and family.
Signal, a privacy-focused messaging alternative to WhatsApp, has surged in popularity dramatically over the past year or so.
But as you weigh Signal vs. WhatsApp, you need to understand what each side brings to the table (and doesn’t) to determine which messaging app is best for you. To help, we’ve put together this short Signal app review and included how WhatsApp stacks up in key areas of functionality, privacy, and security.
What is Signal?
If you’re not familiar with Signal, it is a free instant messaging app with a heavy focus on privacy. It is a product of the Signal Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The app is built on open-source software (meaning anyone can scrutinize the source code and test it for security purposes), and is entirely funded by grants and donations.
There are no ads, affiliate links, or any kind of tracking when you use the app. It is also not tied to, even indirectly, any major tech company. As such, concerns about data sharing are much less of an issue.
Signal is available on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. It’s one of the best encrypted messaging apps in the world right now.
What is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging app, used by billions of people. It encrypts communication on both ends, but since it is owned by Facebook, there are quite a few privacy concerns.
WhatsApp doesn’t show any ads, and just like Signal, you don’t need to pay anything to use WhatsApp. WhatsApp also offers added features for business accounts.
