Signal vs WhatsApp: Comparing Privacy Features for User Protection

Messaging Apps

The application of messaging apps is a part of our modern life, we can meet friends, family and colleagues all over the world anywhere in the world, in a blink of an eye. The emergence of the encrypted messaging applications has transformed the manner in which we exchange information, we can have private and secure communications through any device. Under end to end encryption, only the sender and the destination can access the details of the message hence sensitive information is not at risk of being accessed by any probing eyes.

Signal and other privacy oriented messaging applications have gained popularity among users who attach importance to the security and transparency. These applications are made with the lightweight aspect of data collection in mind, sometimes all you need to do is to enter a phone number and you are off. Apps such as Signal provide a safer, more comfortable alternative to the usual messaging programs, by focusing on the privacy of the user and capturing as little information as possible. The two most popular encrypted messaging applications are WhatsApp and Signal, which have high-security standards that ensure the safety of user communication. With the increasing importance of data collection and digital privacy issues, an increasing number of individuals are resorting to encrypted message applications to ensure that their personal and professional communication is safe.

WhatsApp and Signal comparison. A quick look

If you don’t have time to go through the entire article, here’s a brief comparison of the main privacy and security aspects of Signal and WhatsApp.

WhatsApp collects more user data than Signal, including metadata and personal information, while Signal is designed to retain minimal data. Although WhatsApp has more features, especially in its paid tiers, Signal prioritizes privacy and transparency. So the WhatsApp vs Signal debate for users who care about privacy and functionality continues.

Now, let’s get into the details and compare the main privacy and security features of Signal app vs WhatsApp to see which one is safer.

Signal vs WhatsApp security: Which one is better?

When comparing Signal and WhatsApp in terms of security, we looked at the most important features they offer, the amount of data they collect and the companies that own them.

Privacy is a major concern when it comes to messaging apps as users want to avoid data breaches and exploitation by bad actors. These issues highlight the importance of choosing a platform that prioritizes user security and protects sensitive info.

Enough said, let’s get started.

Round 1. Encryption

As mentioned, both Signal and WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted. But how does it work exactly?

In a nutshell, it means all your messages (text, voice, video chats) are only available to you and the person you’re talking to, so you can send messages securely. While in transit, the message content is converted into a code no one else can read. So third parties (Internet providers, hackers, snoopers, even the app itself) can’t access your private data.

Signal was the first messaging app to introduce end-to-end encryption using their own cryptographic protocol – Signal protocol. WhatsApp followed and introduced end-to-end encryption in 2016. Both apps use the same open-source encryption technology – Open Whisper Systems. This encryption works across different phones and devices, so when comparing Signal encryption vs WhatsApp, they are equal.

But this is not the only factor that affects the security of your communication. The thing is that, unlike Signal, WhatsApp doesn’t hide your metadata, so some info is still vulnerable (keep reading to find out more).

🏆 Who wins: Draw

Round 2. Metadata protection.

Metadata protectionIn short, metadata is small pieces of information you share every time you send a message, photo, video, etc. Even if the message content is end-to-end encrypted, metadata is visible and can reveal a lot about you (who you’re sending the message to, when it’s sent and delivered, IP addresses, etc).

WhatsApp doesn’t protect your metadata, so that info can be exposed to third parties. Signal has Sealed Sender – the feature that hides metadata from all snoopers, including the app itself.

🏆 Who wins: Signal

Round 3. Data collection

Every app you use collects some info about you. Usually it’s your name, phone number, profile pictures, contacts, messages, usage habits, etc. But apps collect this data differently which is usually mentioned in their Privacy Policy. And the Signal vs WhatsApp data collection approaches are quite different.

Signal is a non-profit organization, so the company doesn’t benefit from your private data. The only thing the app needs is your phone number to verify your device. Signal doesn’t collect any additional personal info beyond phone numbers for registration. Signal stores messages only on your device, not on its servers which enhances privacy and limits exposure to data breaches.

WhatsApp app’s Privacy Policy claims that the app collects customer data to improve the services provided by Meta. WhatsApp app collects and stores more user data, including metadata, contacts and usage info. This data is stored on Meta’s servers and can be used for other apps and even shared with third-party services (which is a big red flag for digital privacy). Storing user data on company servers increases the risk of unauthorized access and privacy concerns. So, comparing the amount of data collected by Signal vs WhatsApp, the advantage is clearly on Signal’s side.

🏆 Who wins: Signal

Round 4. Ownership

When choosing a privacy-focused messaging app, it’s important to consider the company behind it. Big corporations like Google and Meta collect excessive amounts of customer data for analytical and advertising purposes.

WhatsApp belongs to Meta (the company also owns Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Workplace, Threads, etc). So when you use the app, your private data can be shared across those services.Meanwhile the owner of Signal is the Signal Technology Foundation a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It’s funded by user donations and uses open-source software (which means anyone can audit its code for transparency and security).

🏆 Who wins: Signal

Round 5. Privacy and security features

Apart from end-to-end encryption and data protection policy, there are many other features to consider when comparing Signal and WhatsApp. Here are the most important features these messaging apps offer. Note that neither Signal nor WhatsApp currently supports animated stickers which are a popular feature in other messaging apps.

Signal’s privacy and security features:

• Safety number. Signal has a handy feature to verify new contacts and keep private conversations. Every Signal contact gets a unique set of numbers and a QR code. When you start a conversation you can verify the person’s identity and prevent a potential security attack.* Screen lock. If you enable screen lock in Signal, the app will require additional verification (passcode or biometric identification) to let you in. You can set a custom screen lock inactivity timeout (from instant to 1 hour).
• Private notifications. Signal has flexible options to hide notifications from the locked screen. You can hide not only the message’s content but also the sender’s name.
• Call relay. This feature is useful if you want to hide your IP address from the person you’re calling via Signal. If you enable this feature, your call will go through Signal servers so your IP won’t leak.
• Disappearing messages. This Signal feature lets you set messages to be automatically deleted in a given time on your and the recipient’s devices. You can enable it for all your contacts or the chosen chats only.
• Group chat privacy. Signal has group chat privacy controls to manage who can join, see group members and adjust group chat settings to increase security.
• Please note that secret chats which offer additional privacy features like self-destructing messages are not available in Signal.

WhatsApp’s privacy and security features:

• Verify security code. This feature works similar to Signal’s safety number. But you won’t be notified if your contact changes their code. Besides, it doesn’t add the verification status to your contacts.
• Screen lock. This feature is almost the same as in Signal. You can set the time when you want WhatsApp to lock the screen and require you to enter your passcode, Face ID or Touch ID to enter the app.
• Private notifications. WhatsApp lets you hide messages’s content when your screen is locked. You can’t hide the contact’s name though.
• Disappearing messages. WhatsApp also allows you to set messages to be automatically deleted after a while. But unlike Signal you can only apply it to the chosen chats.* Group chat privacy. WhatsApp has group chat features to manage group members, control who can add you to groups and adjust group chat settings.
• Secret chats as found in some other apps are not available in WhatsApp.

🏆 Who wins: Signal

Round 6. User experience

Now that we compared Signal vs WhatsApp features let’s see what users have to say about these messaging apps in terms of privacy and security. While many users prioritize privacy some also value social features like community engagement, status updates and customization which may be more developed in other apps.

🏆 Who wins: Signal

Switching between messaging apps is common as users look for the best combination of privacy, social features and overall user experience.

Platform Compatibility of Messaging Apps

When choosing a messaging app platform compatibility is a key consideration for users who want to access their conversations across multiple devices. Popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal are available on many platforms including Android, iOS, Windows and Mac. This cross-platform support allows users to send and receive messages from their smartphones, tablets or desktop computers making communication more flexible and convenient.

Not all messaging apps offer the same level of compatibility though. For example Google Messages is a popular messaging app for Android devices but its functionality is limited on other platforms which can be a drawback for users who switch between devices or use different operating systems. Both WhatsApp and Signal have made it a priority to provide consistent experience across platforms so users can access their messages and group chats no matter which device they are using. When evaluating messaging apps consider platform compatibility to make sure your chosen app fits your communication needs and lifestyle so you can stay connected wherever you are.

So, is Signal safer than WhatsApp?

So in the end, Signal private messenger vs WhatsApp, Signal is the better choice if privacy is your top priority. Both apps have end-to-end encryption but Signal goes further. It hides your metadata, collects less customer information and has a more transparent privacy policy. On top of that Signal has some security features WhatsApp doesn’t have like a more advanced safety number function and call relay.

Looking for the safest messaging app to keep your communication private? Check out our list of the most secure messaging apps.

No app is bulletproof. Data leaks can still happen whatever messaging app you use, especially how data is stored. That’s why it’s always better to empower your cybersecurity toolkit with additional tools like a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your privacy, prevent unwanted monitoring and avoid online dangers.

Why do you need a VPN to communicate online?

Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram, Wickr and other messaging apps encrypt your messages. But this encryption isn’t applied to your entire traffic. So snoopers can still compromise your private data and spy on you.

That’s where a VPN comes in. A premium service like VeePN will cover all your Internet activities with AES-256 – the strongest encryption standard today. It will turn all your messages and Internet requests into unreadable text. So even if third parties try to compromise you, they won’t be able to crack your personal information. Plus a VPN routes your traffic through a remote server and hides your real IP address, making your online presence untraceable.

VeePN has everything you need to communicate online safely. In particular it has an extra security layer – the Antivirus feature for Android and Windows. It will keep you away from viruses and malware and regularly check your device for potential malicious activity.

Check out VeePN’s pricing plans, download the app on your device and start securing now! It takes just a few clicks!

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.

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