Everybody is talking Signal VS Telegram
Maybe you shouldn't either of them.
There are multiple false arguments against Signal, which I will break down. Signal Is mainstream E2EE, but not the best option.
SO WHICH MESSENGER SHOULD YOU EVEN USE?
Is Signal CIA backed Spyware?
The biggest argument is that was presented by Telegram is that Signal was funded by the US Government, thus it should be PsyOp designed to catch criminals who tried to protect their privacy by using Encrypted Messages.
Why I believe this is simply not true?
Because Signal is Open Source. You might say that even Open Source projects could have hidden back doors. I agree, but Signal has so large Userbase that someone would notice.
Another Argument - The Tor was made by the US Government too, but it is used for Dark (read as "Free") Markets and Authorities often have hard time catching the people they call criminals; in most cases they just have bad OpSec.
The State was so desperate about Tor that they even launched multiple DDOS attacks on Tor, so that Dark Markets will be put down. But Tor is still standing.
The Case against Signal
Known for its strong encryption, Signal is a popular choice among privacy enthusiasts. It supports end-to-end encryption for individual and group chats, making it ideal for secure communication.
In September 2023, Signal implemented Quantum Resistance.
But still, Signal has problems with funding (the servers aren't gonna pay themself), is centralized and requires phone numbers to sign up.
Pros:
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Strong encryption
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Supports voice, video, and live streaming
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Good UX
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Free
Cons:
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Centralised
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Notifies people who have you in their contact list that you started using Signal if they already use
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Required phone Number
The Case against Telegram
During times, Telegram has grown on popularity and for no reason became know as "private messenger". The opposite is the truth. Unless enabled by user, User-to-user chats are unencrypted. Group chats don't even offer encryption.
Pros:
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Offers a "Secret Chat" feature with end-to-end encryption
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Large user base
Cons:
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Unencrypted by default
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Group chats are unencrypted
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Servers are closed source
What are the alternatives then?
SimpleX Chat
This new instant messenger doesn't use any unique identifiers, phone numbers or usernames. Someone pointed out that it was funded by VC fund backed by Bezos, Zuckerberg and Gates, which I do not see as a problem when the code is Open Source.
Pros:
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No unique identifier
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Decentralized
Cons:
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Still under development (some things just don't work)
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Small User Base
Threema
Focusing on user privacy, Threema requires no phone numbers or email addresses for registration
Pros:
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Swiss based (strong privacy laws)
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Requires no phone numbers or email addresses for registration
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Perfect Forward Secrecy (prevents attacker from accessing all messages if they crack one key)
Cons:
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Smaller Userbase compared to competitors
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Fewer features compared to other messengers
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Centralised
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Un-updated encryption
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Payed ($5 one time fee)
Element (Matrix Client)
Element the client for the Matrix protocol, open standard for secure decentralized real-time communication.
Pros:
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Works on protocol (As email, internet - cannot be shut down)
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Decentralized
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Possibility to run local servers (without connection to World Internet)
Cons:
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Occasional instability
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Not as easy to use as other options
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Servers can see who is communicating with whom
Session
Session is a decentralized messenger with a focus on private, secure, and anonymous communications. Session offers support for direct messages, group chats, and voice calls.
Pros:
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Every encrypted message is routed through three nodes
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Decentralized
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Pretty large Userbase
Cons:
- No forward secrecy
Conclusion
For somebody who thought: "Are my messages even encrypted?", use Signal or Threema. Or both. Both of them have a great network already, Signal little bigger.
On the other hand, Threema offers anonymous accounts. But if you wish not to disclose your real phone number for Signal, you can use burner SIM or anonymous eSIM.
Try to avoid SMS, iMessages, Telegram, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
But sometimes there is no other option than to use the less secure apps. Family, Work or School... you name it. They will mainly use SMS, WhatsApp of F. Messenger.
The best options for me: Threema and SimpleX
When it's possible, try to be "intolerant minority" and force others to use something more secure.
Be Sovereign.
Not only online.
Marconius Solidus