WhatsApp alternatives gain traction in India
The ‘Signal’ app has overtaken WhatsApp in the App Store
‘Signal’ is a cross-platform encrypted messaging app
It is a free open source software
Apple app store listing says ‘Signal’ does not collect personal data
It does not link the phone number with the identity
Also, it is available in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu
California-based ‘Signal’ was launched in 2014
It will work on Android, iOS and other operating systems
Recently, Tesla CEO Elon Musk promoted the app on Twitter
‘Telegram’ collects data in multiple ways similar to WhatsApp
It collects name, phone number, contact and user ID
Offers two security encryption options for private-group chats
One can chat without revealing the contact number
Also, ‘Telegram’ offers a self-destruct timer and secret chat option
Telegram has a storage facility with encryption for chats
It is available on multiple platforms, including Android and iOS
Launched in 2013, Telegram has cloud-based storage facilities
‘Hike Messenger’, an Indian freeware is another alternative
Hike with multi-platform support also works offline through SMS
‘Hike Messenger’ was started by the startup Hike Private Limited
It has sticker chat and gaming features
It also has ‘Hidden Mode’ and passcode for private chats
Able to create groups up to 500 members and share files up to 100 MB
The new WhatsApp privacy policy is said to violate the privacy
The new policy will come into effect on February 8.
