Messaging apps have changed the way we communicate; they have become an essential tool for communication, socialisation, and collaboration. Not only do we send messages, but we also easily share photos, videos, and voice notes—sharing some of our most private moments and information.
So, it is important to look for messaging applications with strong privacy and security features. Here are six things every user should consider when selecting a messaging app:
1) End-to-End encryption
When using default end-to-end encryption, or E2EE, all data transferred through it is locked up with a cryptographic lock that only the sender and recipient have the key to open and read. It ensures that nobody —not even the app developer — has access to your messages, calls, or media shared.
2) Encrypted chat backups
Chat backups are now protected by E2EE in some apps. It can be enabled through settings, and it safeguards conversation regardless of the cloud provider to which it is backed up to. Backups that have been encrypted can only be decrypted using the user's chosen password or key.
3) 2FA for enhanced account protection
Everybody has heard of identity and account theft stories. Turn on two factor authentication (2FA) in your messaging app for increased security. Every time you activate your account on a new device, you are prompted for a PIN or password that you have chosen. You can even choose to include your email address so that whenever someone tries to reset your PIN, you are warned by email and given a link to do so.
4) More control over sent messages
Have you accidentally sent a message or photo to the wrong group chat? Messages or material can now automatically delete themselves after some time or after being seen thanks to capabilities added to several messaging apps. By guaranteeing that sensitive data is no longer accessible in the event that a device is lost or stolen, these capabilities give privacy-conscious consumers an additional layer of security and assurance.
5) Enhanced privacy controls for users
Flexibility to set permissions is equally important when it comes to – read receipts, who can view profile photo, visibility around last seen and online statuses, and who can add you to group chats. Users' profile pictures and online status can be easily accessed through their phone numbers if permissions are too lenient, raising further security issues. Users will have more control over their personal security if messaging apps allow them to modify privacy settings in accordance with their demands.
6) Ability to report and block
Users can feel more in control of their privacy when using apps that make it simple for them to report or block contacts. By blocking a contact, you can stop them from calling you, messaging you, and accessing your online activity, profile photo, and status updates. You can flag a problematic sender and their messages by reporting them. On WhatsApp, for example, where communications are end-to-end encrypted, only when you choose to report a contact does it flag and give access to the latest five messages for further inspection, which could lead to additional action like an account ban.