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Nowadays, privacy and data protection are extremely important. Users increasingly choose messengers that guarantee security, including end-to-end encryption and minimal metadata collection. Each of them, logically, has its own characteristics. Thus, security issues are solved by developers in different ways. Unique solutions are offered to protect against surveillance and maintain confidentiality. In this article, I will tell you about several such programs. If some are not mentioned, please tell us about them in the comments.
And, of course, if you have any interesting examples of using any of the messengers we're talking about, be sure to share them too!
Signal is one of the most popular open-source messengers designed to provide privacy and security. It uses end-to-end encryption using the Signal protocol, which is considered one of the most secure in the world. The program is supported by the non-profit Signal Foundation and is available for free use, which adds to its popularity among users seeking maximum security.
Possibilities:
Cons: While Signal offers strong encryption and is convenient for most users, it requires a phone number to sign up, which limits anonymity. Signal also stores minimal metadata, such as account creation time, last login time, and the user’s phone number (though not linked to the profile). This may not be a good fit for those looking for absolute privacy.
Threema is a Swiss messenger that does not require a phone number or email to register. Instead, users receive a unique Threema ID, which significantly increases the level of anonymity. This messenger is paid, but this model allows you to avoid advertising and monetization of user data. The messenger meets strict European privacy standards and fully encrypts messages, files, and even statuses.
Possibilities:
Use Case: Threema is often chosen by corporate users because it guarantees anonymity and security, protecting companies from information leaks and unwanted data collection.
Disadvantages: Threema is a paid app, which can be a barrier for users accustomed to free messengers. The interface is not always intuitive for new users, and the servers are located in Switzerland, which can cause some problems with availability in other countries. And the country's authorities, if they press hard, can obtain information about users, as happened, for example, with the Proton email service. They said one thing, but in reality - another.
Wickr Me is a messenger popular among corporate users and government organizations. It allows you to send self-destructing messages and use encryption with timers to automatically delete content. This messenger supports group communication and does not require a phone number or email, which increases privacy.
Possibilities:
Cons: Wickr Me limits the size of group chats to 10 people, which may not be suitable for teams or communities. Wickr Me does not have the ability to backup messages, which is inconvenient if you need to restore data.
Session offers an alternative approach to security by using a decentralized network of servers, eliminating the possibility of tracking data transfers. Users are assigned unique Session IDs, making their communications anonymous and protected from tracking. Session uses a P2P model so that data is not stored on central servers, increasing privacy.
Possibilities:
Use Case: Session has become popular among human rights organizations, providing activists and whistleblowers with privacy. Its decentralized architecture and encryption allow the app to avoid tracking in regions with restricted freedom of speech.
Disadvantages: Due to the use of decentralized servers, the speed of messaging in Session may be lower than in other messengers. Decentralization also requires more resources and may slow down work on less powerful devices.
A messenger that provides complete anonymity and exceptional security for users. It fundamentally lacks any form of identification - only the chat is identified here, not the person. Anyone can be behind each chat, and it is impossible to track them, which makes embedding a backdoor pointless. All transmitted messages are encrypted using the One-Time Pad principle (according to the theory of absolute cipher described by Claude Shannon), which guarantees absolute impenetrability of encryption, and end-to-end symmetric encryption makes interception of data virtually impossible.
Possibilities:
The main functions of BeProg include anonymous calls, closed correspondence, and the creation of channels with an unlimited number of participants. The messenger has already proven its effectiveness in real cases where completely confidential and secure communication was required, for example, in situations where it is necessary to provide anonymous support in sensitive cases and personal matters.
Example of use: BeProg is used by Vatican officials as an unofficial communication channel when they are outside their home state.
Disadvantages: Correspondence in BeProg is stored only on users' devices. The lack of a centralized backup system makes it impossible to restore deleted messages, which may be inconvenient for everyday users.
What messenger do you personally use and why?
Source
And, of course, if you have any interesting examples of using any of the messengers we're talking about, be sure to share them too!
Signal
Signal is one of the most popular open-source messengers designed to provide privacy and security. It uses end-to-end encryption using the Signal protocol, which is considered one of the most secure in the world. The program is supported by the non-profit Signal Foundation and is available for free use, which adds to its popularity among users seeking maximum security.
Possibilities:
- End-to-end encryption via Signal protocol.
- Open source and regular security audits.
- Support for disappearing messages and screenshot blocking.
- Minimization of metadata - only the registration date is saved.
- Support for voice and video calls.
Cons: While Signal offers strong encryption and is convenient for most users, it requires a phone number to sign up, which limits anonymity. Signal also stores minimal metadata, such as account creation time, last login time, and the user’s phone number (though not linked to the profile). This may not be a good fit for those looking for absolute privacy.
Threema
Threema is a Swiss messenger that does not require a phone number or email to register. Instead, users receive a unique Threema ID, which significantly increases the level of anonymity. This messenger is paid, but this model allows you to avoid advertising and monetization of user data. The messenger meets strict European privacy standards and fully encrypts messages, files, and even statuses.
Possibilities:
- Encryption of all data (messages, calls, files).
- Assigning a unique ID to each user.
- Storing data locally, without servers.
- Tools for voting and conducting polls in chats.
- Support for the business version of Threema Work, adapted for companies.
Use Case: Threema is often chosen by corporate users because it guarantees anonymity and security, protecting companies from information leaks and unwanted data collection.
Disadvantages: Threema is a paid app, which can be a barrier for users accustomed to free messengers. The interface is not always intuitive for new users, and the servers are located in Switzerland, which can cause some problems with availability in other countries. And the country's authorities, if they press hard, can obtain information about users, as happened, for example, with the Proton email service. They said one thing, but in reality - another.
Wickr Me
Wickr Me is a messenger popular among corporate users and government organizations. It allows you to send self-destructing messages and use encryption with timers to automatically delete content. This messenger supports group communication and does not require a phone number or email, which increases privacy.
Possibilities:
- Self-destructing messages with a customizable timer.
- Support for voice and video calls.
- Ability to configure automatic deletion of data from the device.
- Exchange files and images with encryption.
- Support for two-factor authentication.
Cons: Wickr Me limits the size of group chats to 10 people, which may not be suitable for teams or communities. Wickr Me does not have the ability to backup messages, which is inconvenient if you need to restore data.
Session
Session offers an alternative approach to security by using a decentralized network of servers, eliminating the possibility of tracking data transfers. Users are assigned unique Session IDs, making their communications anonymous and protected from tracking. Session uses a P2P model so that data is not stored on central servers, increasing privacy.
Possibilities:
- Complete anonymity using a decentralized network (blockchain).
- End-to-end encryption and unique Session IDs instead of personal data.
- Protection from surveillance and hacking.
- No metadata or activity logs.
- Support for group chats and disappearing messages.
Use Case: Session has become popular among human rights organizations, providing activists and whistleblowers with privacy. Its decentralized architecture and encryption allow the app to avoid tracking in regions with restricted freedom of speech.
Disadvantages: Due to the use of decentralized servers, the speed of messaging in Session may be lower than in other messengers. Decentralization also requires more resources and may slow down work on less powerful devices.
BeProg
A messenger that provides complete anonymity and exceptional security for users. It fundamentally lacks any form of identification - only the chat is identified here, not the person. Anyone can be behind each chat, and it is impossible to track them, which makes embedding a backdoor pointless. All transmitted messages are encrypted using the One-Time Pad principle (according to the theory of absolute cipher described by Claude Shannon), which guarantees absolute impenetrability of encryption, and end-to-end symmetric encryption makes interception of data virtually impossible.
Possibilities:
- Communication without registration and binding to a phone number
- Secure chats with unique encryption for each message
- Anonymous calls
- Create channels with unlimited number of participants
- Does not require permissions to access personal data
The main functions of BeProg include anonymous calls, closed correspondence, and the creation of channels with an unlimited number of participants. The messenger has already proven its effectiveness in real cases where completely confidential and secure communication was required, for example, in situations where it is necessary to provide anonymous support in sensitive cases and personal matters.
Example of use: BeProg is used by Vatican officials as an unofficial communication channel when they are outside their home state.
Disadvantages: Correspondence in BeProg is stored only on users' devices. The lack of a centralized backup system makes it impossible to restore deleted messages, which may be inconvenient for everyday users.
What messenger do you personally use and why?
Source
