I’m in a country where WhatsApp is “default” messaging app.
I am thinking about deleting my WhatsApp account completely and sticking to the cell calls and SMS.
I, of course, understand that WhatsApp claims to have end-to-end encryption, but since it’s closed-sourced there is no way to be sure.
Besides I’m pretty sure that, taking into account their functionality to report messages groups and people, there are some “workarounds” to the encryption.
And, of course, metadata they collect.
In the end it seems to me that it’s “six of one and half a dozen of the other”
- WhatsApp: collects metadata, might be able to read the messages
- Cell + SMS: has no encryption
So, it looks like the question is with whom I share my communication (mobile operator or facebook), and cell+sms might be somewhat less targeted, as it’s not used that much nowadays.
Plus mobile operator will have less metadata (no name or userpic).
Am I missing anything obvious?
I have also posted this question on security.stackexchange
WhatsApp may be better than plain SMS and cellular line calls.
You can ask nicely ask other People to use Signal or other PG recommended apps.
The whole point of the messenger (encrypted or otherwise) is to socialize with other people.
If you socialize nicely, maybe you can find a way to convince them to move over to Signal. If you are not nice, offer them a way to socialoze in a manner that they cannot refuse?
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Good option is watomatic which can automatically let people know you are on Signal.
If they use Google messages as well as you do which is quite likely, then you would be using rcs which has same benefits as Facebooks whatsapp service such as send over WiFi, and e2e encryption.
But you are better off using Signal. No one is actually forcing anyone onto Facebooks whatsapp service and all mobile plans include unlimited calls and texts so the need for whatsapp in today’s world is next to little.
WhatsApp is 100x better than unencrypted SMS.
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Whatshapp is definitely better privacy wise. SMS is unencrypted ans tour government probably mandates at least call and SMS metadata retention, if not outright storing all SMS.
If you use Whatsapp, just tweak a few settings. Don’t use backup or use it with encryption enabled.
Disable any linking with other meta accounts. Be sure that Instagram and Facebook don’t have your phone number.
Whatsapp will still collect metadata, so your social graph will be known to Meta.
If possible, slowly switch family and friends to Signal. You will never get to 100%, the point is to reduce your exposure as much as you can.
On how to convert family & friends, see this excellent video from Naomi Brockwell (NBTV)
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