Signal Vs WhatsApp - Which Heralds Better Privacy?

In a world where digital privacy and data protection are growing concerns, the apps we use daily to communicate are coming under severe scrutiny. Here we compare two widely used messaging platforms, Signal and WhatsApp, in terms of their commitment towards user privacy.

What is Signal?

Signal is an open-source app providing text, voice and video calling services. It emerged in 2018 as an alternative to mainstream chat applications like WhatsApp. The interface will feel familiar if you're migrating from any other popular chat platform.

What is WhatsApp?

With over 2 billion users worldwide, Whatsapp needs little introduction. Acquired by Facebook in 2014 for $19 billion USD, its convenience catapulted it into becoming one of the most popular messaging platforms globally today.

Now that we know a bit about both apps let's explore how each one handles user privacy.

Encryption

Both Signal and WhatsApp use end-to-end encryption(E2EE), which ensures only your device (the "end") can decode messages sent from someone else’s device (another "end"). Even these companies cannot read your conversations due to this E2EE protocol.

The crucial difference lies here: While Whatsapp uses proprietary (owned) code by Facebook; Signal operates open source encryption developed by Open Whisper Systems — who provide no backdoor access whatsoever. This means there's zero access route for third parties wanting to snoop around on Signal because even if compelled legally – they literally have nothing available with them!

Data Collection

When it comes down to data retention policies, Signal holds close to negligible information about you. Moxie Marlinspike, CEO of Open Whisper Systems claimed: “We’ve designed the system [Signal] so we don’t hold much information”. Their policy states apart from account registration details such as date/time stamp or phone number– they do not profile anything additional with customer consent or otherwise.

WhatsApp, on the other hand, collects extensive information about its users: including device and connection-specific details (Hardware Model, OS Information), status updates or even IP addresses. Your account is also tied to your Facebook identity if you opt for it – this cross-platform interlinking enhances Facebook's advertising database based off WhatsApp user behavior. So essentially, while your conversations are safe still courtesy of E2EE– there’s a substantial amount of profiling carried out in parallel.

Privacy Policy

Privacy policies hold great significance: they dictate terms on handling our sensitive data online. Signal follows stringent rules; refusing any third-party banner ads or trackers following you around the web with unwanted pop-up boxes! In contrast to this transparency initiative by Signal stands WhatsApp - their policy underwent recent changes alarming netizens worldwide as contrary clauses were discovered which could lead to direct marketing approaches targeting users once consented during sign up!

Moreover, if not agreed upon these new conditions- you might end up losing access post deadline- further adding fuel to fire under privacy concerns surrounding encrypted messaging platforms owned by major corporates today.

In Conclusion

Choosing between these two boils down largely onto what aspects matter most for us. If security coupled alongside staunch belief towards maintaining rigorous data retention principles is essential – Signal triumphs over WhatsApp hands-down given their deeply ingrained transparent ideology within company culture itself versus exploiting user data dynamics aligned mainly towards business expansion strategies as seen notably with Whatsapp now unfortunately being part of the larger Facebook ecosystem!

On surface level ignoring broader implications – yes both safeguard your messages well using powerful encryption techniques. However; delving deeper into intricate details surrounding policies/practices adopted behind scenes illustrates a clearer picture regarding matters related crucially around concerns with digital privacy protection nowadays. Lastly always remember - making informed decisions when entrusting personal information ultimately gives a say back into our very own hands ensuring healthier dialogue assured firmly towards safeguarding respective individual privacies.';