Richard
When choosing a messaging app, it’s important to understand the privacy and security risks associated with each one. WhatsApp has 400 million users and WeChat has about 10 to 20 million active users, while Telegram boasts tens of millions of users. If privacy is important to you, then WhatsApp is the best choice.
Privacy
If you’re wondering which messaging app is the most secure, consider WhatsApp or Telegram. These two apps differ only slightly in terms of security and privacy. While WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, Telegram uses client-side encryption. That means your messages will be encrypted from server to client, but encryption will not protect your information if your device is compromised. Unlike WhatsApp, however, Telegram is free to use and has no company to answer to.
Facebook’s ownership of WhatsApp means that this service is not as privacy-friendly as it once was. The reason for this is the fact that the company sells targeted advertisements. As a result, WhatsApp users’ information is collected for the purpose of advertising. The company also has a history of security flaws, and the company is concerned about the security of this data in the future. The privacy issue with WhatsApp is particularly concerning given that it’s the most popular messaging app.
Data collection
WeChat collects user information on a variety of levels. Not only does it collect the name and mobile number of users, but it can also collect detailed location data, such as IP address and GPS location. This information is then sent back to 17 different servers in China. The Chinese government also uses WeChat to monitor content.
While many people may see WeChat as the better privacy app, it’s important to remember that it’s still not completely secure. While encryption prevents most of the data from being shared with third parties, a compromised device can access this information. Data collection on WeChat vs Telegram is much different than that on other messaging apps.
Founders
Founders of WeChat and Telegram are contrasting their products, focusing on privacy versus monetization. WeChat’s privacy-focused ads may not be the most desirable for everyone. But that’s not the only difference between the two. Both companies have ambitious plans for their products. For example, Telegram wants to be a financially sustainable project that will benefit humanity for decades. However, without Durov’s substantial funds, it’s been difficult to find alternative sources of funding for the platform.
Telegram is known for its secure messaging features. However, it’s still blocked in China. In January, the Covid-19 coronavirus was spreading in China. In response to this, more internet users were using VPNs to bypass the Great Firewall.
Features
Telegram is the privacy-friendly cousin of WhatsApp, which has a number of privacy features. Telegram allows users to log in from multiple devices and is platform-agnostic, enabling them to migrate their chats from one device to the next. The messaging app also lets users create groups and create community conversations.
WhatsApp supports voice and video calls, though you’re limited to eight users per group call. It also has a feature called “Stories,” which lets users post photos, videos, or other content to their closed friends. It is also a social network, but is banned in China.
Companies that use WeCom to run their business operations implement WeCom calling monitoring. This is in addition to message monitoring.
Companies may find it challenging to monitor every conversation made with WeChat or WeCom because of the large number of users. A third-party service provider for WeCom call recording might be required to comply with China’s Cybersecurity Law. This will allow companies to continue their smooth, remote collaboration setups.
Here’s an up-to-date infographic from TeleMessage that thoroughly discusses more about WeChat, WhatsApp, Telegram and who is the largest communication provider among the three said platforms in terms of different aspect.
