Looking for an alternative to WhatsApp? Whether you're looking for a messaging app with better privacy features, more customization options, or simply something different, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we've rounded up the best WhatsApp alternatives that offer similar features, as well as some unique ones. From messaging apps that prioritize privacy and security to those that offer fun features like stickers and GIFs, here are our top picks for the best WhatsApp alternatives.
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| Best WhatsApp Alternatives |
Following WhatsApp's announcement of its intention to change its privacy policy and share user data with other Facebook applications, Facebook and Instagram have received widespread criticism globally, particularly from influential figures such as Elon Musk. Musk encouraged his followers to use alternative applications to WhatsApp and called on other technology giants to do the same in order to protect users' privacy. In light of this, here are 9 alternative applications for WhatsApp that prioritize user privacy and can be used in 2023.
How Has WhatsApp's Privacy Policy Change Prompt Users to Switch to Alternative Applications in 2023?
The new privacy policy that WhatsApp plans to implement in February or March of 2021 has led many users to abandon the platform and seek out safer alternatives. While some users are satisfied with WhatsApp's many features, such as the ability to use it on their computer, others are concerned about the changes being made to the app's privacy policy.
Here are some of the reasons why some users are seeking out alternative messaging apps:
- WhatsApp will be collecting a significant amount of user data, including copies of their contacts and information about who they communicate with throughout the day. This data will then be automatically shared with other Facebook-owned apps.
- Facebook will own all of the user data collected by WhatsApp, and they will be able to use it as they see fit. This includes selling it to third-party companies or disclosing it to governments for security purposes.
- There is a risk of hackers and cybercriminals obtaining user data through Facebook's servers, which could lead to blackmail and theft. This risk is heightened if security holes are discovered and exploited by malicious actors.
- WhatsApp is forcing users to accept the new privacy policy if they want to continue using the app. Those who refuse to do so will have their accounts permanently deleted from the company's servers.
Also read: The impact of social media on the business.
As a result of these concerns, many users are turning to alternative messaging apps that prioritize user privacy and security.
Reasons why you might consider leaving WhatsApp
WhatsApp has become a ubiquitous tool for both personal and business communication in many parts of the world, thanks to its widespread popularity and brand recognition. It has become the go-to option for cross-platform communication, especially in situations where iMessage or Google Messages are not available.
However, recent events have shed light on WhatsApp's relationship with its parent company, Facebook. Facebook has been the subject of various controversies and scandals, and this has raised concerns about WhatsApp's privacy policy. Many believed that WhatsApp would begin sharing more information with Facebook, including the contents of messages.
WhatsApp denied these claims, stating that end-to-end encryption made messages safe and inaccessible. They also clarified that the privacy policy only allowed Facebook to access data on how users interacted with businesses on the platform. Nevertheless, this incident highlighted the close relationship between the two companies.
Additionally, the recent global outage of Facebook's systems affected all Facebook-owned services, including WhatsApp, for several hours. This left users who relied on WhatsApp for communication completely cut off.
These incidents have prompted some users to consider leaving WhatsApp for good or finding alternative communication platforms in case the app becomes inaccessible again.
Top WhatsApp Alternatives for 2023
This article highlights various apps that prioritize both privacy and features. To explore the complete list of WhatsApp alternative apps, you can refer to the table of contents below and navigate to any specific app that piques your interest.
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| Good alternatives to WhatsApp |
1- Signal
The Signal application gained widespread popularity following a tweet from Elon Musk with just two words, "use Signal". This tweet had a significant impact on the application's shares and popularity in a short period, mainly because Signal offers several features that make it a top alternative to WhatsApp:
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| signal |
- Signal is entirely free to use and employs end-to-end encryption technology to secure all messages and conversations between users. This technology ensures that conversations and calls are entirely encrypted, and the company cannot view or record them. Additionally, Signal cannot be spied on or hacked by other users of the application.
- Unlike WhatsApp, Signal does not include any advertisements. As a non-profit organization, Signal operates solely through donations and grants from around the world.
- Signal enables users to send files of all formats, including video files, to other users within the application. Users can also make voice or video calls or write messages in-app conversations, much like WhatsApp. Signal also offers encrypted stickers, which can be imported from a phone or other applications since they are not included in the Signal application by default.
- The application also offers a group chat feature, which is not yet available in WhatsApp.
These features have contributed to the increasing popularity of the Signal application among users worldwide, as more people seek a secure, free, and ad-free alternative to WhatsApp.
Also read: Best free AI alternatives to MidJourney.
2- Three app
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| Three app |
This application is a viable alternative to WhatsApp, however, it is not free and requires payment. The price varies depending on the app store from which it is purchased. In the Apple App Store, it costs 3.49 euros, while in the Google Play Store for Android phones, it costs 2.99 euros, and in the Microsoft Store for applications, it costs 1.99 euros. The payment is a one-time license fee to use the application.
Threema offers several features to users, including strong encryption of user data while using the application. User chat logs are never saved on the company's servers, and all data, including contacts, is saved on the users' phones themselves, not within the application. Users can share all kinds of data with other users of the application, including photos, video files, voice messages, contacts, and more. Polls can be created and shared within the app, allowing users to participate.
The application does not require the user's phone number to function well. Instead, users can register with an ID or e-mail and share this information with others to maintain the privacy of their phone number. It is also easy and fast to sync files between the application on the phone and the computer.
Threema also allows users to capture and share photos and videos within the app. Additionally, users can take a full backup copy of their data, upload it via Google Drive, and keep it safe from being lost.
3-Telegram app
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| telegram |
Telegram has gained immense popularity in recent years, with over 200 million active users worldwide. It boasts several features that make it an exceptional app for personal use, and a viable and effective alternative to WhatsApp, such as:
- End-to-end encryption of all user conversations, with the company never collecting any user data. The app is also free of advertisements.
- The channels feature archives all posts and conversations within the channel, allowing newly joined users to see all the previously published posts with ease. WhatsApp does not provide this feature.
- Users can upload and store personal files of unlimited size on Telegram servers forever, without the risk of being blocked or having files deleted, unlike WhatsApp, which stores files on personal phones instead of servers.
- Telegram allows users to easily change their associated phone number or create multiple accounts with different phone numbers, and move between them with just a click.
- Multiple personal profile photos can be set on Telegram, unlike WhatsApp which allows only a single photo.
- The secret chat feature encrypts conversations between users and does not record copies on Telegram servers. The conversation remains saved only on users' devices, and is completely deleted from the app when deleted from one device.
- Telegram themes can be customized completely as desired by the user.
- The app provides a robot feature that can be programmed to perform various useful tasks, but requires prior experience to use it effectively.
- Users can mute contacts or groups whose notifications are inconvenient.
- The user's physical location can be shared with other Telegram users for a period ranging from 15 minutes to 8 hours.
- Telegram provides the ability to connect to a virtual private network to change the IP of the country to bypass the app ban in countries that prohibit its use.
- Many chat tools provided by the app can be used to perform any task easily and quickly within a few seconds.
- Telegram provides numerous options to control user account privacy and security, making the app more secure and private for users.
4- WhatsApp Gold application
WhatsApp Gold, also known as "Watts's father golden", is a popular alternative to the official WhatsApp application that has been extensively modified by users worldwide. It offers several advantages, including:
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| WhatsApp Gold |
- 1- Users can restore backup copies of their conversations and messages without losing any data. This means that if a user uninstalls and reinstalls the application, their most recent conversations will still be available.
- 2- WhatsApp Gold allows users to go offline, so they appear as if they are not connected through the application. This is a unique feature that is not available on the official WhatsApp application.
- 3- The application is more space-efficient than the official WhatsApp, as it does not store video files, pictures, and other media on the phone.
- 4- WhatsApp Gold is designed with privacy and security in mind. Users can set passwords for conversations that require confidentiality, and the application allows them to hide the message reading mark that appears on other users' screens. Additionally, users can hide the "typing" and "recording audio" indicators when sending messages.
- 5- The application fully supports Arabic and other foreign languages.
- 6- There are no ads on WhatsApp Gold, and users can use the auto-reply feature without an internet connection.
- 7- WhatsApp Gold offers a secret chat feature that ensures that no party can eavesdrop or track conversations, not even WhatsApp itself.
- 8- Unlike the official WhatsApp, WhatsApp Gold maintains the quality of images when sending them to other users, without compressing them to speed up the process of sending.
Also read: How to profit from TikTok.
5- Wire app
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| Wire app |
The Wire application is entirely open-source, meaning that any programmer worldwide can modify its software code freely. It supports all operating systems, including Windows and Mac for computers, as well as the Android and iOS systems for smartphones. There are two versions of the app available: the Pro version and the Enterprise version. While both require a nominal fee, the Pro version costs $5.83 per month, and the Enterprise version is priced at $9.5 per month.
The app comes with several features, including:
- Users can register for a new account using their email address, and registration using a phone number is optional, unlike other apps like WhatsApp, where a phone number is necessary to access full functionality.
- Users can send group messages to an infinite number of friends, allowing them to communicate with multiple individuals simultaneously.
- The app allows users to send emojis and voice notes to others while chatting with ease.
- Messages sent to others can be easily deleted permanently, similar to the feature available on WhatsApp.
- Wire provides completely secure conversations with the other party, making it nearly impossible for third parties to spy on chat content.
6- Bip app
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| Bip app |
The Bip application provides users with an excellent and free user experience for voice calls, chatting, and communicating with others. It boasts numerous features that make using the app enjoyable and convenient. These features include:
- Instant translation of texts into 106 different languages.
- The ability to make voice and video calls, including conference calls of up to 10 people.
- All calls made through the application are completely free, regardless of whether they are voice or video calls.
- The application allows for the sharing of photos and videos in their original high quality, without compressing their size like WhatsApp.
- Users can organize high-quality meetings and use the follow-me feature, which allows for real-time updates on the activities of the meeting's participants.
7- Viber app
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| viber |
Viber is a highly advanced messaging and chatting application, widely recognized for its exceptional voice quality and uninterrupted services. Here are some of Viber's features:
- Calls, media, messages, and conversations on Viber are completely encrypted and untraceable by the company and other Viber users, ensuring utmost privacy.
- Viber allows the creation of groups of up to 250 people, enabling the collective sending and receiving of messages within these groups.
- The app enables users to set up conference calls with a maximum of 20 people at the same time.
- Viber supports the sending and receiving of images in all formats, along with easy sharing of posters.
- With Viber, international calls can be made at low rates without compromising on call quality, even for those who do not have a Viber account.
- Viber provides complete communities where users can interact with each other, liking and commenting on posts, among other features.
- The app also includes a feature that allows users to play games from within the app.
8- Riot. I'm app
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| Riot. I'm app |
There is an application that fully utilizes open-source technology, allowing programmers to modify and use it according to their preferences. It is a remarkable application that is worth exploring, thanks to its many wonderful features. These features include:
- The application uses user IDs instead of phone numbers, which offers significant protection for users' privacy and data from hacking attempts. This feature provides users with greater confidence and security when using the application.
- The application allows the creation of automated robots to perform tasks similar to the Telegram application. This feature enhances user interaction within the application, making it a unique and impressive experience.
- The application includes public and private chat rooms that users can navigate and use.
- Users can communicate and interact with other applications and their users easily, not just those within the application itself.
9- Skype application
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| skype |
Microsoft's Skype for Business application is a robust alternative to WhatsApp that enables companies and organizations to streamline their work processes quickly and easily. Here are some of its key features:
- High-quality presentations: Skype for Business allows high-resolution PowerPoint presentations to be shared with multiple people simultaneously. This makes it easy to conduct training sessions and presentations of excellent quality. The presentations can be accessed on mobile phones, laptops, and desktops using the Skype app.
- Professional meeting management: The app is equipped with tools that enable meetings to be organized and scheduled in a professional manner.
- Broadcast and content sharing: Skype for Business allows the broadcast and sharing of content with up to 10,000 people simultaneously. The broadcast organizer can easily control the number of participants using the application settings.
- Podcasts and lectures: Microsoft's cloud, called Ujwar, can automatically save podcasts, seminars, and lectures. The video can also be shared and saved using Office 365 video.
- Easy access: Participants can join seminars and educational lectures without registering an account on Skype, using only the invitation link for the meeting.
- User privacy: Skype for Business is one of the nine most powerful applications that prioritize the complete privacy of users. Unlike Facebook and Google apps, user data is not recorded or used for advertising purposes.
- Shopping and discounts: For those who need access to different types of applications, such as shopping or product reviews, popular online stores like N and Jumia can be accessed via the Koponava website, which offers discounts and special deals.
Overall, Skype for Business offers a powerful set of features for companies and organizations looking to streamline their work processes while prioritizing user privacy.
10- Threema
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| threema |
Threema is an app that prioritizes complete privacy and offers users the option to use the app anonymously. While you have the choice to connect the app to your email or phone number for the purpose of being discoverable, unlike many other apps, it is not mandatory.
With Threema, you can send text, voice, picture, and video messages, all of which are encrypted. You can also create group chats, share files, and even set up polls to easily collect feedback from your contacts. Additionally, the app features a secure built-in browser, and like WhatsApp, all data is stored on your phone rather than an accessible server.
Based in Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy laws, Threema has not gained as much popularity in other countries. Its lack of name recognition and $3 price tag may make it difficult to persuade others to switch to this app with you.
11- Google Messages
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| Google Messages |
Google Messages is an Android app that functions as Google's version of iMessage. It is usually pre-installed on modern Android phones, but if you can't find it, you can download it from Google Play.
The app is designed to replace your existing SMS app and is integrated with all of Google's services. Essentially, Google Messages is iMessage for Android (and Windows, but not Macs or iOS). End-to-end encryption is automatic when you're messaging other Google Messages users, and you can send all your usual images and files, similar to WhatsApp. However, the downside is that it only works for phones that support RCS, so those that don't (including iPhones) have to rely on old, insecure methods.
One thing Google Messages does not have is video and voice calling, as that is all handled by Google Duo. Just like iMessage and FaceTime are still separate, Messages and Duo are also separate. However, the latter is not restricted to Android devices. The good news is that Duo is likely already installed on your Android phone, and if it's not, it's available as a free download from Google Play. and iPhone from the Apple AppStore.
12- Discord
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| discord |
Discord has evolved beyond its initial purpose as a platform for gamers to chat with one another. Although there are plenty of Discord servers available that cater to specific interests, many users overlook the platform's personal messaging functionality. You can use Discord to send messages, emojis, emotes (if you have Discord Nitro), GIFs, images, and even documents. Additionally, you can make voice calls, video calls, or even browse together after sharing your screen.
With its seamless integration with popular apps such as Spotify, Twitch, YouTube, Battle.net, Steam, Reddit, Facebook, Twitter, Xbox Live, and GitHub, Discord is a versatile messaging app that can cater to all your messaging needs. It may even be a better alternative to WhatsApp.
You can also create group chats on Discord with up to 10 members, and if you require more capacity, you can create a server. If you ask me, I'd recommend switching to Discord from WhatsApp. You can find the link to download Discord below, and I guarantee you won't regret the decision.
Availability: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web (Free)
13- iMessage
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| iMessage |
If you're an iPhone or Mac user, sometimes the simplest option is the best, and iMessage is an ideal alternative to WhatsApp. As long as you're communicating with other iPhone users, that is.
iMessage allows you to send messages to all phone numbers, regardless of whether they use iMessage or not. However, texting to Android devices relies on traditional SMS because Apple doesn't support RCS. This means that messages sent through iMessage are secure, but other messages may not be.
Despite this, Apple has a proven track record of not caving to government demands to add backdoors to its encryption. So, your iMessage messages remain secure, except when someone can read your iCloud backups.
iMessage is as fully-featured as other popular messaging apps, supporting images, GIFs, video, and group calls. In some countries, iMessage users can even send each other money using Apple Pay.
However, video and voice calling are not included in iMessage. Instead, you'll need to use the FaceTime app, which only works with Apple devices. It's unclear why iMessage and FaceTime haven't been merged into a single communications app, but that's the way it is. At least, it's already pre-installed on most Macs and all iPhones.
14- Kik
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| kik |
Kik is a messaging app that offers a great alternative to users who don't want to use their phone number to sign up for a messaging application. While other chat services like WhatsApp require a phone number, many users are uncomfortable with sharing their personal number with these platforms. Kik only requires users to sign up with their email address, and a unique username is created for them to share with other Kik users.
Kik offers all the standard messaging features, including text messages, emojis, stickers, GIFs, photo sharing, video sharing, and group chats. Additionally, Kik supports bots, which provide quizzes, fashion tips, news, and more. This feature is not available on WhatsApp.
The most significant benefit of using Kik is that it doesn't require a phone number. If you're interested in this feature, it's worth checking out. Kik is available for free on Android and iOS.
Also read: Why facebook Close Accounts and Pages.
15- Bridgefy
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| bridgefy |
One of the main problems with online messaging apps is that they require an internet connection to work. Even regular text messaging apps won't work if you're in an area without mobile service or internet. That's where offline messaging apps like Bridgefy come in. These apps don't need a mobile network or internet connection to function. Instead, they create a Bluetooth mesh network or Wi-Fi Direct-based network on your phone, allowing you to send messages to nearby friends.
You can send messages to a friend, broadcast them to a group, and even use other users as nodes to send messages to long distances. It's incredibly useful during events like music festivals, sports games, natural disasters, and other situations where you may not have reliable mobile service.
Bridgefy and similar apps have become a haven for protesters worldwide, allowing them to bypass internet censorship imposed by their governments. The app is free to download and use, making it an excellent offline alternative to WhatsApp. Bridgefy is available for free on Android and iOS.
16- Keybase
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| keybase |
Keybase is an excellent open-source secure chat application that prioritizes user privacy. Since it is an open-source app, no private company has access to your data. Moreover, the app utilizes end-to-end encryption to secure your messages, ensuring that they are never exposed to malicious actors. Keybase even prohibits the use of chat screenshots, making it even more secure.
Unlike WhatsApp, Keybase's messaging app operates similarly to Slack and is more focused on individual privacy than business. One of my favorite features of Keybase is the ability to connect with other users without sharing personal information, such as phone numbers or email IDs.
Another unique feature of Keybase is that it offers a native application for Linux operating systems, making it one of the few messaging apps available on that platform. If you value your privacy, Keybase is an app that you should definitely consider checking out.
- Availability: Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows (Free)
17- Snapchat
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| snapchat |
While Snapchat is technically a social media app rather than a messaging app, I use it more frequently for messaging purposes because of its unique features. For instance, I can send messages that self-destruct after a set period of time, and I receive a notification when someone takes a screenshot of my chats. Additionally, Snapchat has the most extensive collection of face masks of any messaging app I've used, making it fun to use.
Snapchat offers many other messaging features such as group chats, voice calls, group voice calls, gifs, and more. I appreciate Snapchat's innovation, and I find that many of the features that are commonplace on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger are often copied from Snapchat.
If you want access to the latest chat features and the coolest innovations, Snapchat is the app to use.
- Availability: Android, iOS (Free)
18- LINE: A WhatsApp Alternative with Unique Features
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| line |
If you are looking for an alternative to WhatsApp, you might want to try LINE, a popular cross-platform messaging app with a wide range of features. Like WhatsApp, LINE offers end-to-end encryption, voice and video calls, and messaging. However, it also offers some unique features, such as LINE Out, which allows you to make international calls to non-LINE users, a sticker store, a "Keep" feature that lets you save your favorite messages and photos, and a timeline that shows status updates and photo changes from your friends.
LINE also includes other useful features like passcode lock, message filters, themes, LINE Pay for payments, and more. However, some users may find the app a bit bloated compared to the simplicity of WhatsApp. If you're willing to overlook that, LINE might be worth a try.
- Availability: Free on Android, iOS, iPad, Windows Phone, Windows, macOS, Chrome, and Firefox.
19- Getsession : A Privacy-Focused Messaging App
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| getsession |
If your top priority is secure messaging, you might want to consider getsession as a WhatsApp alternative. This privacy-focused messaging app promises to keep your messages and metadata completely secure. Session uses Libsodium cryptography to encrypt messaging and calls, and its public keys are stored locally on your device. You don't need an email or mobile number to start using Session, and all messages are sent via a decentralized onion routing network, similar to Tor.
Despite its privacy focus, Session also offers a customizable user interface with themes and dark mode. It offers groups, video calls, voice messages, attachments, voice calls, and even group calling functionality.
- Availability: Free on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Also read: Emerging Social Media Platforms.
What’s Your Good alternatives to WhatsApp
The primary drawback of messaging applications like WhatsApp is their relatively low adoption rate. Not only is it challenging to download and install an app, but it's also unappealing to persuade your group of friends to switch to a new messaging service. Additionally, it can be frustrating to be excluded from social or business conversations because everyone else is using WhatsApp for their big group chats.
However, if you value security and data protection, this drawback becomes inconsequential. There's no reason why you can't install multiple instant messenger apps. Installing multiple apps is easy, and notifications from each app can appear together on your smartphone's home screen. Using messenger apps that don't store metadata frequently means that your existing data won't lead to a consistent, reliable usage profile. Over time, you may even convince your friends and colleagues to switch to secure messaging apps.
FAQs About WhatsApp Alternatives
What alternatives are there to WhatsApp?
If you're looking for an alternative to WhatsApp, you might want to consider using apps like Telegram or Signal on your mobile device.
Are there any apps better than WhatsApp?
Absolutely. If you're looking for an app that is feature-rich and has everything you need, I would recommend trying out Telegram or Discord.
Which app is the best for video calls other than WhatsApp?
If you frequently make video calls with friends, Discord's video calling feature is excellent. Alternatively, you might want to check out Google Duo, which is a dedicated video calling app from Google.
What is the most secure messaging app?
If you place a high value on privacy, then you should consider using Signal.
Which messaging apps are associated with Facebook?
Apart from WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram's messaging option, and Instagram's Threads are all associated with Facebook.
What do people in China use instead of WhatsApp?
WeChat (or Weixin 微信) is one of the most popular free messaging apps in China and offers many features that are comparable to other social messaging apps like Facebook Messenger.
What are the risks associated with using WhatsApp?
Since 2016, WhatsApp has shared most of its users' transactional data and metadata with Meta (Facebook). This only came to light in 2021 when WhatsApp updated its privacy policy. Existing users had to accept the new terms or lose access to their accounts.
Is WhatsApp chat private?
Messages sent through WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted using the Signal protocol. This means that only you and your intended recipients can read your actual messages. While WhatsApp is secure, it does collect a significant amount of metadata that can compromise your privacy (as mentioned above).
Which is the safest messaging app?
Signal is a highly secure messaging app that respects your privacy. Check out the article above to see a comparison of Signal and other WhatsApp alternatives.
How can WhatsApp be free?
WhatsApp is owned by Meta (Facebook), which generates a significant amount of revenue by invading users' privacy to target them with personalized ads. WhatsApp adds to the data that Meta collects about you by sending a great deal of metadata related to your use of the app. As Signal and other messaging apps demonstrate, it is possible to offer a free messaging app without invading users' privacy.