US-based service - Your data may be subject to US CLOUD Act and accessed by US authorities
by Meta
WhatsApp, developed by Meta, is a versatile messaging app that allows users to communicate seamlessly through text, voice, and video. With its user-friendly interface, WhatsApp facilitates real-time conversations and connections worldwide. Users can engage in group chats with up to 256 participants, making it ideal for both personal and professional communication. The app supports document sharing up to 100 MB, enabling easy exchange of files and media. WhatsApp's status feature allows users to share multimedia updates with their contacts, adding a personal touch to interactions. Additionally, WhatsApp Web provides desktop access, ensuring users can stay connected from any device. The app prioritizes privacy with end-to-end encrypted backups and real-time location sharing, ensuring secure communication. Customizable chat wallpapers allow users to personalize their messaging experience. WhatsApp is perfect for individuals, families, and businesses seeking a reliable communication platform. The app is free to download and use, with no subscription fees, making it accessible to a broad audience.
EU Alternatives to WhatsApp
4 privacy-focused, GDPR-compliant alternatives
Signal
🇺🇸by Signal
Say "hello" to a different messaging experience. An unexpected focus on privacy, combined with all of the features you expect.
Why switch?
- Signal uses end-to-end encryption by default for all communications, ensuring that only the sender and receiver can read the messages, which significantly enhances privacy compared to WhatsApp's encryption that has been scrutinized due to its data-sharing practices with Facebook.
- Signal is fully compliant with GDPR, which means it adheres to strict data protection regulations, giving users more control over their data and ensuring that their personal information is not exploited for advertising or other purposes.
- Signal offers features like disappearing messages and screen security that provide additional layers of privacy, allowing users to have more control over their conversations and reducing the risk of sensitive information being exposed.
Consider
- Migrating from WhatsApp to Signal can be cumbersome, as there is no direct way to transfer chat history, which may lead to losing important conversations and media files during the switch.
- Signal has a smaller user base compared to WhatsApp, which may result in fewer contacts using the app, potentially limiting communication options and requiring users to convince friends and family to switch as well.
Threema
🇨🇭by Threema
The secure instant messenger from Switzerland. GDPR-compliant messaging for individuals and organizations that value security and data protection.
Why switch?
- Threema is designed with privacy as a core principle, using end-to-end encryption for all messages, calls, and files, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can access the content.
- Threema is fully GDPR-compliant, meaning it adheres to strict European data protection regulations, which can provide users with greater confidence regarding their data privacy and security compared to WhatsApp.
- Threema does not require a phone number for registration, allowing users to maintain anonymity and reducing the risk of unwanted data sharing, unlike WhatsApp which ties accounts to phone numbers.
Consider
- Switching to Threema may involve a learning curve, as users accustomed to WhatsApp's interface and features may find Threema's layout and functionalities different and require time to adapt.
- Threema has a smaller user base compared to WhatsApp, which may limit the number of contacts available on the platform, potentially leading to challenges in communication with friends or family who are not using Threema.
Element
🌍by Element
Element is a Matrix-based end-to-end encrypted messenger and secure collaboration app. It’s decentralised for digital sovereign self-hosting, or through a hosting service such as Element Matrix Services. Element operates on the open Matrix network to provide interoperability and easy connections.
Why switch?
- Element is built on the Matrix protocol, which is decentralized, allowing users to have more control over their data and the ability to self-host their messaging service, enhancing privacy and security.
- Element is fully compliant with GDPR, ensuring that user data is handled in accordance with strict European privacy regulations, which can provide users with greater peace of mind regarding their personal information.
- Element supports rich collaboration features, such as threaded conversations, voice and video calls, and integration with other apps, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use.
Consider
- The migration from WhatsApp to Element may require significant effort, as users will need to manually transfer contacts and conversations, and there is no direct import feature available.
- Element has a steeper learning curve compared to WhatsApp, as its interface and features may be less intuitive for new users, particularly those unfamiliar with decentralized platforms.
Wire
🇨🇭by Wire
Collaborate without compromise with Wire, the trusted platform for millions worldwide. Stay in control with end-to-end encryption that's invisible, flexible collaboration, and intuitive user interface. Join now for free and boost your productivity.
Why switch?
- Wire offers end-to-end encryption by default for all communications, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access the messages, which enhances user privacy compared to WhatsApp's encryption that has faced scrutiny over data sharing practices.
- Wire is fully GDPR compliant, providing users with greater control over their data and ensuring that their personal information is handled according to strict European privacy regulations, unlike WhatsApp which has faced legal challenges regarding its data policies.
- Wire supports a range of collaboration features such as video conferencing, file sharing, and group chats with a focus on business use, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional communication, whereas WhatsApp is primarily focused on messaging.
Consider
- Switching to Wire may involve a learning curve for users accustomed to WhatsApp's interface and features, which could lead to initial frustration and decreased productivity as users adapt to the new platform.
- Migration from WhatsApp to Wire can be cumbersome, as users may have difficulty transferring chat history and contacts, which could lead to potential loss of important conversations and connections.
Why switch from WhatsApp?
US CLOUD Act
US authorities can access your data stored by US companies, even if stored in Europe.
Privacy Concerns
US companies may collect and use your data in ways not compliant with EU standards.
EU Alternatives
EU-based services must comply with GDPR, giving you stronger privacy protections.
Other Messaging Apps you might want to replace
Ready to switch to a privacy-focused alternative?
Protect your data by moving to an EU-based service. Our migration guides make switching easy.
View Migration Guide