When it comes to messaging apps, Telegram and WhatsApp dominate the scene, each offering unique features. With privacy a top concern for Irish users and others worldwide, let’s take a closer look at how Telegram and WhatsApp compare, especially around privacy.

End-to-End Encryption: The Basics

WhatsApp: End-to-end encryption is the standard for all conversations on WhatsApp, meaning only the sender and receiver can read the messages. This is automatic and applies to all chats, calls, photos, and videos, making WhatsApp a popular choice for those prioritising privacy.

Telegram: End-to-end encryption is available but only in “Secret Chats.” Regular Telegram chats are stored on the cloud and only encrypted between the user and the server, allowing syncing across multiple devices but less privacy for regular chats. For maximum security, users must activate Secret Chats manually, which restricts access to one device.

Data Collection and Metadata

WhatsApp: Owned by Meta, WhatsApp collects certain metadata, such as user contact information, device information, and usage statistics. Although message contents remain encrypted, the app gathers information like the user’s IP address, location, and contact list, which has raised privacy concerns.

Telegram: Telegram gathers significantly less data in comparison. It does not collect contact lists or user IP addresses and is known for storing only minimal metadata. However, the fact that regular chats are not end-to-end encrypted might concern those who prioritise absolute privacy.

User Control and Self-Destructing Messages

WhatsApp: In 2020, WhatsApp introduced a “Disappearing Messages” feature, allowing users to set messages to vanish after seven days. While useful, it doesn’t offer the same flexibility as Telegram’s time-based self-destruct feature.

Telegram: Telegram takes self-destructing messages further. In Secret Chats, users can set timers ranging from seconds to days for messages to disappear, providing a high level of control over message lifespan. This makes it a preferred option for users wanting messages to remain temporary.

Cloud Storage and Device Syncing

WhatsApp: WhatsApp backups can be stored on Google Drive or iCloud, but these backups are not end-to-end encrypted, making them potentially vulnerable if someone accesses the storage provider account. Additionally, WhatsApp doesn’t offer true multi-device syncing—messages can only be accessed on one mobile device at a time, though a linked web or desktop app can be used as long as the phone is connected.

Telegram: Telegram allows true cloud storage, meaning users can access their chats across multiple devices seamlessly. However, since regular chats are stored on Telegram’s servers, some privacy-conscious users may feel uneasy with this setup, as their messages are not end-to-end encrypted by default.

Group Chat Privacy and Control

WhatsApp: WhatsApp supports large group chats but limits group size to 1,024 participants. Group messages are encrypted, and admins have moderate control, such as approving new members or limiting who can send messages.

Telegram: Telegram allows massive groups of up to 200,000 members, with more robust admin controls like setting roles and permissions. This makes Telegram appealing for large communities and public groups, although the lack of default end-to-end encryption for these chats is a notable trade-off.

Additional Privacy Features

WhatsApp: WhatsApp offers two-factor authentication, which adds a layer of security during login. The app recently added controls for blocking screenshotting of view-once media, which restricts users from capturing images meant to be seen only once.

Telegram: Telegram has a wider range of privacy controls. In addition to two-factor authentication, Telegram allows users to hide their phone number from non-contacts and select who can add them to groups. For those concerned about privacy in group chats, this feature allows more anonymity.

Which App Is Right for You?

Choosing between Telegram and WhatsApp depends on your privacy preferences:

• Choose WhatsApp if you prefer simplicity with built-in end-to-end encryption for all chats and prioritise privacy in personal communications without needing extensive group functionalities.
• Choose Telegram if you value flexibility, want advanced privacy features like self-destructing messages, and appreciate multi-device support. Keep in mind that default chats lack end-to-end encryption.

Our Takeaway

As frequent users of both platforms, we see strengths in each. For Irish users looking for convenience and privacy, WhatsApp’s automatic end-to-end encryption is valuable. However, Telegram’s robust feature set and control options make it an exciting choice for users interested in large community engagement or customisable privacy settings.

Whichever you choose, both apps offer unique advantages that let you control how you communicate securely. If you haven’t yet, try exploring both—each brings a fresh experience to messaging and privacy that’s worth a test drive.