The three most popular messaging apps promise to protect your conversations with end-to-end encryption. However, the reality is more complex: while Signal makes privacy its flagship feature, Telegram and WhatsApp falter in key aspects such as metadata collection or code transparency.
End-to-end encryption: key technical differences 🔐
Signal applies end-to-end encryption by default to messages, calls, and files, using the Signal protocol, considered the gold standard in the industry. Additionally, it is open source and does not store metadata such as your IP or contacts. WhatsApp uses the same protocol, but as it is owned by Meta, it collects metadata for advertising purposes. Telegram, on the other hand, only encrypts end-to-end in secret chats, leaving the rest visible to its servers.
The paradox of the messenger that knows everything 🤔
So while Signal doesn't even know if you exist, WhatsApp knows who you talk to, from where, and at what time, and Telegram probably knows but prefers not to say. It's like having three locksmiths: one who doesn't look, another who looks but swears he doesn't, and a third who sells you the key in exchange for a like. Choose your digital lock wisely.