WhatsApp is popular. But Signal, Telegram, Threema and Hoccer are also suitable as messenger alternatives. The overview.
- WhatsApp is the most popular messenger in Germany
- Signal, Telegram, Threema and Hoccer are alternatives
- There are free and paid messengers
WhatsApp is by far the most popular messenger in Germany . 58 million people use WhatsApp every day. However, some people are bothered by security holes in the messenger. WhatsApp also collects data that users entrust to the service. Mother Facebook can also access phone numbers linked to profiles. In any case, one thing is certain: WhatsApp is a popular hacking target due to the high number of users. Therefore, the question arises: What are the alternatives to Germany's most popular messenger?
WhatsApp alternative: what can signal do?
Signal is an open source messenger service. This means that the code is publicly viewable. If necessary, the code can also be changed. Chats are encrypted end-to-end. This has the advantage that only the communication partners can decrypt sent messages. The calls should be bug-proof. Whistleblower Edward Snowden is also a fan of the messenger service. Signal is available for IOS and Android . There is also a desktop version for Windows . The app is free.
Expert tip: Edward Snowden advises Signal. Snowden uses the messenger every day according to his own statement.
I use signal every day. #notesforFBI (Spoiler: they already know) https://t.co/KNy0xppsN0
- Edward Snowden (@Snowden) November 2, 2015WhatsApp alternative: this is Telegram
Telegram is also popular with 7.8 million users. Telegram is a cloud- based messenger. Data up to 1.5 gigabytes in size can be sent. You can choose between text messages, photos, videos, voice messages and documents. If you like it sprawling, you can chat with up to 1000 users in a group. An account can be used with multiple phone numbers. Telegram is available for Android, IOS and Windows. The app is also free.
WhatsApp: Threema, the paid alternative
Threema is a messenger service from Switzerland and one of the first to encrypt end-to-end. Data protection is a top priority for the Swiss. The app is considered more secure than WhatsApp. However, users also have to pay a price for this, because the app is subject to a fee. The short message service Threema costs 2.99 euros for iOS devices. The app for Windows Phone costs 1.99 euros and Threema for Android smartphones costs 2.49 euros.
WhatsApp: Ever heard of Hoccer?
Hoccer differs significantly from the other messengers. No information such as telephone numbers or email addresses are required to chat. Reason: Hoccer does not access the user's phone book. Each user is assigned an individual identification number. With this the user connects with other Hoccer users. This has the advantage that private data is secure. Hoccer can be downloaded free of charge for Android and IOS.
By Moritz Serif
WhatsApp news:
Users wonder if they could be hacked. Is it a virus? Who is Tobias Mathis? A WhatsApp chain letter is around.
Confusion about the messenger. WhatsApp chats could previously be exported via backup. This is no longer possible.
By the way, there is a change. The HNA * WhatsApp newsletter is no longer available. These are the alternatives.
There is also news from the company's advertising plans. Mother Facebook puts WhatsApp advertising on hold for the time being.
* hna.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.
List of rubric lists: © dpa / Glenn Greenwald / Laura Poitras