Popular messaging app owned by Meta (Facebook) with end-to-end encryption.
Recommended Alternative
Signal
End-to-end encrypted messaging with industry-leading security.
WhatsApp is a widely used messaging application owned by Meta (formerly Facebook). While it offers end-to-end encryption for messages, it's based in the United States and subject to U.S. data regulations rather than GDPR.
Privacy and Security
While WhatsApp does provide end-to-end encryption for messages, it's owned by Meta (Facebook), a company with a controversial track record regarding user privacy. WhatsApp collects metadata about your usage and has previously shared this data with its parent company.
Data Concerns
- Collects and may share metadata with Meta/Facebook
- Based in the United States, outside EU jurisdiction
- Not fully compliant with GDPR standards
- Subject to U.S. surveillance laws
- User data can potentially be used for ad targeting within the Meta ecosystem
Other Alternatives
Here are other EU-based alternatives that provide similar functionality...
Element
EUSecure, decentralized messaging based on the Matrix protocol with self-hosting options.
Session
EU-FriendlyAnonymous messaging app using onion routing without requiring phone numbers or email.
Threema
EUSwiss-based, metadata-minimizing secure messenger with anonymous usage options.
Wire
EUSecure collaboration platform with end-to-end encryption for messaging, calls, and file sharing.
Why WhatsApp is Problematic
Owned by Meta (Facebook) with questionable privacy practices
Collects and shares metadata with Meta
Requires phone number for registration
User contacts are uploaded to Meta servers
Subject to U.S. surveillance laws
Shares data across Meta platforms