Telegram vs WhatsApp vs Signal: A 2025 Comparison of Data Collection Policies
Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 8:24 am
In the digital age, privacy is a top concern for users of messaging apps. Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal are three of the most popular platforms, but they vary significantly in their approaches to data collection and privacy. Understanding how each app handles your data can help you make an informed decision about which one best aligns with your privacy priorities.
Telegram: Convenience with Cloud Storage
Telegram is known for its cloud-based architecture, which telegram data allows users to access their messages across multiple devices. However, this convenience comes with trade-offs. Telegram stores messages (except for Secret Chats) on its servers, which means the company holds encryption keys and can technically access message content. While Telegram claims it has never shared user data with any government, the app does collect user metadata such as IP addresses, device details, and user IDs. In its privacy policy, Telegram states that it may retain some metadata for up to 12 months to prevent spam or abuse.
Telegram also requires a phone number for registration, which can be linked to your identity. Though the app recently introduced features for anonymous numbers and temporary phone numbers in certain regions, the core model still revolves around identifying users through their mobile number.
WhatsApp: End-to-End Encryption with Facebook Ties
WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default for all personal messages, voice, and video calls. This means that only the sender and recipient can read the content of communications. WhatsApp cannot access your messages, which is a major plus for privacy.
However, WhatsApp collects significant metadata, including your phone number, contacts (if permission is granted), device information, and usage statistics. Since WhatsApp is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), its data-sharing policy raises concerns. Although WhatsApp messages remain private, Meta may use metadata for ad targeting and service improvement. The integration with Facebook services has led to criticism, especially after WhatsApp updated its privacy policy in 2021 to clarify its data-sharing practices.
Signal: Privacy-First Philosophy
Signal stands out as the most privacy-focused messaging app. It uses end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls by default and collects minimal user data. The only information Signal stores is the date you registered and the last time you connected to the service—no message content, no contact lists (contacts are stored locally and compared using hashed phone numbers), and no user identifiers beyond a phone number.
Signal is open-source, and its code is publicly available for review, which enhances transparency and trust. Unlike Telegram and WhatsApp, Signal is operated by a nonprofit foundation and does not rely on ads or user data for funding.
Conclusion
In terms of data collection policies, Signal is clearly the most privacy-respecting platform, followed by WhatsApp, which provides strong encryption but shares metadata with Meta. Telegram, while offering some unique features, stores more data and lacks default end-to-end encryption for regular chats. Choosing the right app depends on your priorities—whether it's convenience, integration, or maximum privacy.
Telegram: Convenience with Cloud Storage
Telegram is known for its cloud-based architecture, which telegram data allows users to access their messages across multiple devices. However, this convenience comes with trade-offs. Telegram stores messages (except for Secret Chats) on its servers, which means the company holds encryption keys and can technically access message content. While Telegram claims it has never shared user data with any government, the app does collect user metadata such as IP addresses, device details, and user IDs. In its privacy policy, Telegram states that it may retain some metadata for up to 12 months to prevent spam or abuse.
Telegram also requires a phone number for registration, which can be linked to your identity. Though the app recently introduced features for anonymous numbers and temporary phone numbers in certain regions, the core model still revolves around identifying users through their mobile number.
WhatsApp: End-to-End Encryption with Facebook Ties
WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default for all personal messages, voice, and video calls. This means that only the sender and recipient can read the content of communications. WhatsApp cannot access your messages, which is a major plus for privacy.
However, WhatsApp collects significant metadata, including your phone number, contacts (if permission is granted), device information, and usage statistics. Since WhatsApp is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), its data-sharing policy raises concerns. Although WhatsApp messages remain private, Meta may use metadata for ad targeting and service improvement. The integration with Facebook services has led to criticism, especially after WhatsApp updated its privacy policy in 2021 to clarify its data-sharing practices.
Signal: Privacy-First Philosophy
Signal stands out as the most privacy-focused messaging app. It uses end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls by default and collects minimal user data. The only information Signal stores is the date you registered and the last time you connected to the service—no message content, no contact lists (contacts are stored locally and compared using hashed phone numbers), and no user identifiers beyond a phone number.
Signal is open-source, and its code is publicly available for review, which enhances transparency and trust. Unlike Telegram and WhatsApp, Signal is operated by a nonprofit foundation and does not rely on ads or user data for funding.
Conclusion
In terms of data collection policies, Signal is clearly the most privacy-respecting platform, followed by WhatsApp, which provides strong encryption but shares metadata with Meta. Telegram, while offering some unique features, stores more data and lacks default end-to-end encryption for regular chats. Choosing the right app depends on your priorities—whether it's convenience, integration, or maximum privacy.