One of the biggest apps out there right now is WhatsApp. Everyone loves it, everyone uses it, but the company has had some troubles due to its new privacy policy. Many people have already switched to Signal since they don’t feel safe in the hands of Facebook.
Signal is a private messaging app. It comes with end-to-end encryption and with privacy-oriented features. The user data they collect is minimal, and people feel safer.
We have written this article to show you the features of both of these apps.
Privacy features: Signal
Incognito keyboard
This feature does not allow your keyboard to save what you’re typing. To enable it, just go to the Settings section, go to Privacy, and then tap on enable Incognito Keyboard.
Read receipts
Signal has the option to disable this feature, which lets you know if someone has seen your messages or not. You can also turn on or off the typing indicators, and people won’t see when you’re typing a message.
Screen security
You can now block others from taking screenshots of a chat. You can enable it from the Settings section, from Privacy, from Screen Security. It’s a pretty helpful feature.
Group invitations
After you create a group and you invite someone, they will need to accept the invite in order to join the group conversation. Signal goes with this feature by default.
Screen lock
You can set a fingerprint lock on Signal, just as you can on WhatsApp. But keep in mind that the incoming calls on Signal can be answered from the notification panel. The same goes for replying to messages.
Privacy features: WhatsApp
Last seen
You can also hide your last seen and status. The options are the same as those on profile privacy. For status updates, you can choose who to share it with: My Contacts, My Contacts except, and Only Share with.
Profile privacy:
You can hide your profile picture from Everyone or from your contacts. But you cannot choose specific persons from your contacts.
Screen lock
In order to enable it on WhatsApp, you need to go to Settings, to Account, to Privacy, to Fingerprint lock. It won’t block your calls, but it will hide the messages.
Group invitations
If a person wants to add you on a group chat on WhatsApp, they can do it without any problems, as long as that person has your number. You can change the settings if you don’t want this to happen. You get three options here: Everyone, My Contacts, or My Contacts Except.
Tonia Nissen
Based out of Detroit, Tonia Nissen has been writing for Optic Flux since 2017 and is presently our Managing Editor. An experienced freelance health writer, Tonia obtained an English BA from the University of Detroit, then spent over 7 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Tonia is particularly interested in scientific innovation, climate technology, and the marine environment.