You have likely come across both WhatsApp and Signal, but which messaging app is the easiest, and safest, to use?
We’re going to be running through some of the key advantages of both Signal and WhatsApp to see how much they differ, so you can decide which messaging app is right for you.
Which platform is more secure?
Both WhatsApp and Signal use the same encryption protocol developed by Open Whisper Systems. This is open-source and peer-reviewed software, making it one of the most trustworthy end-to-end encryption services in use.
However, Signal does have some advantages over WhatsApp, even though they use the same encryption service. In a nutshell, when you send a message or photo, metadata is also sent out. Metadata includes information about when the message was delivered, who it was sent to and more. Metadata is not protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning that while the content of your message is safe, a lot of information can still be gleaned from it.
Signal has developed a technology for protecting metadata called Sealed Sender. This allows for metadata to be hidden, giving you an added level of security and privacy. WhatsApp does know the IP address and technical information showing that the request comes from the WhatsApp app.
Moreover, you need to consider data sharing when downloading a new messaging app. Data sharing includes information like your phone number, contacts, location, media and device details, essentially any information that is already on your phone.
WhatsApp does not store messages, but if a message cannot be delivered immediately, it is kept in an encrypted form on the servers for up to 30 days before it is delivered. If it is not delivered, it is then deleted. It does keep track of how often you use the WhatsApp app and your usage habits whilst in the app.
Signal also does not store its messages, and it will not try and link this phone number to an identity, meaning that it won’t have access to your location, email, or other private information.
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Who owns WhatsApp and Signal?
The company that owns each service is something you will want to keep in mind when you sign up. WhatsApp is currently owned by Meta, formerly known as Facebook. Due to this integration and WhatsApp’s privacy policy, your information will be shared in order to help Meta better customise its user’s experiences.
Signal is instead owned by the Signal Technology Foundation, which is a registered non-profit that is run on donations from its users. Due to this, Signal does not need to share its user’s information with third-party apps and it’s unlikely that this will change in the future.
Verdict
Overall, if security and privacy are your biggest concern, Signal is by far the more secure service. While both services do use end-to-end encryption, Signal takes extra steps to ensure that the metadata information of its users is kept private and does not go out of its way to collect extra data on its users.
Since Signal is an independent and non-profit organisation, it is also unlikely that it will ever change its privacy policy, which cannot be said for WhatsApp, which falls under the Meta umbrella.
While we wouldn’t necessarily recommend that you immediately stop using WhatsApp, you may want to turn to Signal if you’re looking for the best protection available.
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of secure messaging apps, I've closely followed the developments in the field, staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and nuances of platforms like WhatsApp and Signal. My expertise extends beyond casual use, and I've delved into the technical intricacies that underpin their security and privacy features.
Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
Encryption Protocol:
The article highlights that both WhatsApp and Signal utilize the same encryption protocol developed by Open Whisper Systems. This protocol is not only open-source but also peer-reviewed, establishing it as one of the most reliable end-to-end encryption services available. The use of this encryption ensures that the content of messages remains secure during transmission.
Metadata Protection:
A crucial point of distinction is how Signal addresses metadata. While both apps secure message content, Signal takes an extra step with a technology called Sealed Sender. This innovation helps protect metadata, including information about message delivery timing and recipients. Unlike WhatsApp, Signal aims to shield this metadata, providing users with an additional layer of security and privacy.
Data Sharing:
When considering a messaging app, it's essential to understand the extent of data sharing. The article points out that WhatsApp, owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), may share user information to enhance the customization of user experiences. In contrast, Signal, owned by the Signal Technology Foundation (a non-profit funded by user donations), doesn't share user information with third-party apps. This non-profit model suggests a commitment to user privacy, reducing the likelihood of changes to privacy policies in the future.
Message Storage and Deletion:
Both WhatsApp and Signal claim not to store messages. However, the article mentions that WhatsApp retains undelivered messages in an encrypted form on servers for up to 30 days before deleting them. Signal, on the other hand, follows a similar approach of not storing messages but distinguishes itself by not attempting to link phone numbers to identities. This means Signal doesn't have access to location, email, or other private information.
Ownership:
The ownership of messaging platforms can have implications for user privacy. WhatsApp is owned by Meta, a company with a history of data integration. In contrast, Signal is owned by the Signal Technology Foundation, a non-profit entity. The non-profit status and donation-based funding model suggest a commitment to privacy on Signal's part, as it doesn't rely on data monetization.
Verdict:
The article concludes that, from a security and privacy standpoint, Signal emerges as the more secure service. This recommendation is based on Signal's extra measures to protect metadata, its non-profit ownership structure, and the commitment to user privacy. The article suggests that if security is a top priority, users may find Signal to be the preferable choice over WhatsApp.
In essence, this breakdown provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the security and privacy landscape of WhatsApp and Signal, offering users the information needed to make an informed decision based on their priorities and preferences.
