In the race to keep your data secure, messaging app developers know that end-to-end encryption is the name of the game. Facebook Messenger is the latest messaging app to offer the security feature.
As leaks become rampant, users are constantly looking for apps that don't only get the message across but also keep it out of prying eyes.
But What's End-to-End Encryption, Anyway?
E2EE is designed to keep eavesdroppers out of the conversation. Think of it as putting a seal on the users' messages, especially as they travel across the social web, and only the sender and recipient have the tool to break open this seal.
Even companies that own the messaging platform wouldn't have the means to decrypt the files.
NOTE: Most messaging apps already encrypt data but only between the user and the companies' servers. Without E2EE, companies can pry open your data anytime there's a reason to.
Here now are nine messaging apps that currently deploy the more secure end-to-end encryption:
1. Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is now offering a small batch of users the Secret Conversation mode with end-to-end encryption. There's also an optional timer that indicates how long a secret message would stay visible.
Messenger's end-to-end encryption won't be used by default, though: secret conversations will only be available on the two devices, each used by the sender and recipient, at the time of the conversation.
Specially encrypted messages can't be accessed just anywhere — if users switch from device to device — the way regular chats or calls are logged across devices.
Still, with 900 million users on Facebook Messenger each month, the option for a full-on E2EE by default seems long overdue.
2. WhatsApp
In April, Facebook-owned WhatsApp rolled out E2EE for all types of messages on the platform, and these include video and voice calls, photos and regular text (which had already been encrypted before). This ensures conversations of the 1 billion WhatsApp users are locked away from authorities and even WhatsApp itself.
3. iMessage
Apple is one company that has endured a long and hard battle to keep device owner's data (on the device) private, even amid a tussle with authorities.
iMessage, for one, is secured by E2EE. It's a line that Apple can't cross unless users store their messages in the cloud. If they do end up in iCloud, then they are readily available to Apple and can be handed over if the company is served a warrant.
4. Allo
Allo, Google's own messaging app, does not offer end-to-end encryption by default, but it does have the Incognito Mode as an option. Google believes E2EE can't blanket the messaging app across the board for its artificial intelligence systems to work. It's precisely this A.I. that sets it apart from other competitors too.
5. Viber
Viber has long been a popular messaging app. Version 6.0 brought in E2EE for texts and voice chats between individuals and groups, functional both on the app's desktop and mobile platforms. Color-coded "locks" are also visible to indicate different E2EE settings.
6. Line
Line also offers optional E2EE through Letter Sealing. It's activated only if the sender and recipient both turn on the function. All other messages without this layer of security can be accessed by Line and, if warranted, turned over to Japanese authorities.
7. Signal
Signal is a favorite of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. In fact, he uses it every day. Text, photo and video messages are heavily encrypted on the app. Interestingly, Signal is open source and can build upon feedback and suggestions from other privacy-focused netizens.
8. Cyber Dust
Messages on Cyber Dust are covered by E2EE. (Even with a warrant, the company can't spill the data to authorities.) Not only are the messages locked away and inaccessible even to Cyber Dust but, similar to Snaps on Snapchat, they are also deleted from the users' device immediately after they have been read.
9. Telegram
Telegram messages are protected by end-to-end encryption only when users activate the Secret Chat mode. Messages outside of this mode are logged in Telegram servers.
Word Of Caution: Default vs Optional End-to-End Encryption
It's important to note that not all apps readily deploy end-to-end encryption by default. Some will require users to enable specific functions or set chats in certain modes before the messages are kept off the record.
Use Tech Times' guide to these nine messaging apps with end-to-end encryption. We'll keep you updated on ways to keep your online communication secure.
