WhatsApp is heavily criticized and the new terms and conditions are putting users under pressure.
But there are good alternatives.
Berlin - WhatsApp could experience a mass migration: With the new terms and conditions of the messenger service, the criticism of data protection and co. Is growing. And anyone looking for an alternative can quickly and easily change the messenger.
Because in three steps you can put an end to WhatsApp: Find a messenger alternative, save WhatsApp chats if necessary and, last but not least, delete the account.
The consumer
portal Mobilsicherheit.de
recommends services such as Signal, Threema or Wire.
These alternatives can hold a candle to WhatsApp in terms of functionality, but maintain a privacy-oriented approach.
All three apps are open source, securely end-to-end encrypted and can be used on both Android and Apple devices.
A desktop application is also available.
Back up WhatsApp data and delete account: Here's how
In order not to lose the data from WhatsApp, the individual or group chats can be easily saved.
To do this, open the respective chat, click on the three-point menu (Android) or settings (iOS) and then select "More / Export chat".
You can then choose whether the media should also be saved.
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As a last step, the WhatsApp account can be deleted.
It is important to ensure that all data that is to be retained has been backed up.
To delete the account, tap again on the three-point menu or on "Settings" and select "Account / Delete my account".
After entering the mobile phone number and one last tap on the red button "Delete my account" you have done it.
A new messenger is still missing.
WhatsApp competitor "Signal": Same functions, more security?
The Signal app in particular is a strong competitor to WhatsApp. In contrast to WhatsApp, the Signal messenger has already been thoroughly checked by experts and found to be safe, as security researcher Paul Rösler explains.
In addition, the app is operated by a foundation and is therefore more credible.
Because unlike Facebook, no profits have to be made.
Signal is free and hardly differs from its competitor.
There is one difference: at the beginning, a pin is requested quite often when starting.
This is a protective function.
The more often the PIN is entered correctly, the less frequently it is queried.
But the most important functions are the same: group chats, video and voice calls and voice messages.
IPhone users can also experience problems with Facebook and Instagram.
Because they oblige iPhone users to continue disclosing their data.
If they don't, social networks could soon cost money.
(dpa / jsch)
List of rubric lists: © Catherine Waibel / dpa