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WhatsApp, iMessage, Signal—Which Should You Use Now
In today’s digital landscape, it’s more crucial than ever to prioritize your online security and privacy. With the rise of messaging apps, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. As we explore the options of WhatsApp, iMessage, and Signal, one thing is clear: each has its unique strengths and weaknesses.
Signal, for instance, boasts end-to-end encryption and does not harvest user metadata. However, it still faces an uphill battle in terms of adoption due to its smaller user base. This limitation stems from the concept of the “network effect,” where the more users a platform has, the more appealing it becomes to new users.
On the other hand, WhatsApp stands out as a champion of end-to-end encryption, having popularized the feature even before Apple rolled it out on iMessage. While WhatsApp may capture and use metadata due to its ownership by Meta, this doesn’t seem to deter many users from utilizing the platform. The app’s massive user base, boasting over 3 billion users, is a significant advantage.
Meanwhile, iMessage operates using a proprietary encryption protocol, which only works within Apple’s walled garden. This means that cross-platform communication can be a challenge for non-Apple device users. However, it’s essential to note that Apple’s security record is excellent, and its encryption provides an added layer of protection for those already invested in the ecosystem.
When considering these options, it’s crucial to weigh your needs against each app’s pros and cons. While Signal offers unparalleled security, its limitations in terms of adoption make it less practical for widespread use.
In contrast, WhatsApp excels at balancing security with a large user base. However, this comes at the cost of data collection by Meta.
The most pressing concern is that there isn’t currently a fully encrypted messaging platform available across both iOS and Android devices. The upcoming RCS encryption upgrade may bring about a solution in the future, but details on timing and compatibility are still unclear.
Ultimately, for everyday use, WhatsApp stands as a reliable choice due to its widespread adoption and robust security features. Nevertheless, when it comes to sensitive conversations or sharing confidential information, Signal remains the better option.
To maximize security, take heed of these best practices: set group chats so that only admins can add new members (Signal) or require approval from existing users (WhatsApp); avoid enabling public links for critical groups; and utilize disappearing messages for mature conversations.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/03/25/whatsapp-imessage-signal-which-should-you-use-now/
