

Would we recommend this app? Only if you know the other person is receiving the message on an Apple device. Just avoid storing your messages on web-based platforms like iCloud-toggle off messages in settings so they’re not stored on the cloud. On the cloud, messages are encrypted by keys controlled by Apple, meaning that if your iCloud were ever hacked or subpoenaed, those messages could be revealed.Īpple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has said that Apple “believe(s) that privacy is a fundamental human right,” and at least in its Messages and Facetime it appears to take this commitment seriously. One major security loophole is the option to backup your Messages to iCloud. Messages is only available on Apple devices, meaning any message you send via Messages to a non-Apple device will not be encrypted. Users of Apple’s FaceTime can also rest easy knowing that their video calls are E2EE too. Regardless of which Apple device you’re using, whether it’s iOS, watchOS, or iPadOS, your messages are end-to-end encrypted and cannot be accessed without a passcode. On top of offering end-to-end encryption between users, Messages allows users to control how long the message stays up and how many times the recipient can view the message (although this feature is only available to those who have iOS 10 and above).

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We also want to note that while some of these apps have enterprise (paid) versions, we’ll mostly be focusing on the features they have in the free versions of these apps.Īpple’s Messages is only available on Apple devices, but it packs a punch with its security features. With many good options available, here’s our take on some of the most widely used and secure messaging apps, in no particular order. Privacy and security review of encrypted messaging apps

Not even using the best VPN would help you if you’re using a messaging service that stores identifiable metadata about your conversations on its server.Įncryption makes societies freer, despite government efforts to undermine it, and thankfully several messaging apps use E2EE to prevent anyone except you and the intended recipient from reading the messages you send. Without encryption, private messages can be read by the company behind the app, as well as third parties such as governments that collect private data on their citizens. One feature to look for is end-to-end encryption (E2EE).

From WhatsApp to Snapchat, messaging apps provide a free and easy-to-use service to communicate with friends, family, and co-workers.īefore you search on the app stores or ask your friends about their messaging app of choice, be sure to take a step back and examine each app’s practices when it comes to protecting your privacy.
