- Privacy and security in messaging apps are distinct concerns, with privacy focusing on protecting personal identifiers and security on defending against unauthorized access or theft of data.
- Top-tier secure messaging services like Signal and WhatsApp leverage end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to ensure only the intended recipient can view message contents.
- Signal is recommended for its consistent use of E2EE, while WhatsApp and Telegram offer similar protections with certain exceptions.
- Signal stands out for its commitment against commercializing user information, while Telegram has faced criticism for lax policy enforcement linked to cybercrimes.
- WhatsApp users may inadvertently expose messages via unencrypted iCloud backups to law enforcement scrutiny, unlike Signal and Telegram.
- Signal emerges as the most secure messaging app due to its robust technology and nonprofit model, making it a compelling choice for secure messaging.