Don't want to accept WhatsApp's new privacy policy? Here's how the competition treats your data

Now that Facebook has begun strong-arming its users into accepting its new privacy policy, here is how the competition compares when it comes to handling your personal data.

You don't have to accept WhatsApp's new terms, here's how these alternatives match up.  (Unsplash)

WhatsApp has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently, thanks to its controversial new privacy policy that went into effect on Saturday. The messaging service, once known for its strong pro-privacy stance will now begin sharing information about how users interact with businesses, with its parent company Facebook.

When the company first announced the changes to its privacy policy in January, there was widespread outrage and users began to download privacy-friendly alternatives like Signal, while others opted for the less private Telegram Messenger. However, as the weeks and months passed, many users switched back to WhatsApp as most of their groups and chats were already on the platform.

Here's a handy visual comparison of messaging clients and personally identifiable data they collect.  (Forbes)

Here's a handy visual comparison of messaging clients and personally identifiable data they collect.  (Forbes)

Now that WhatsApp has finally begun enforcing its new privacy policy, users have no choice but to accept the new terms. This is because WhatsApp will slowly shut down features available to your account, eventually forcing you to accept the terms as you will not be able to receive or send messages and calls.

If Facebook's decision has left you upset and wishing to change apps, here's a quick reminder about the “Data Linked To You” that each app collects, thanks to Apple's Privacy Labels on the App Store.

Signal Private Messenger

N/A. No user-linked data collected.

Link

iMessage

• Contact Info
• Identifiers
• Search History

Link

Telegram

• Purchases
• Financial Info
• Location
• Contact Info
• Contacts
• User Content
• Identifiers

Link

WhatsApp

• Purchases
• Financial Info
• Location
• Contact Info
• Contacts
• User Content
• Identifiers
• Usage Data
• Diagnostics

Link

Facebook Messenger

• Health & Fitness
• Purchases
• Financial Info
• Location
• Contact Info
• Contacts
• User Content
• Search History
• Browsing History
• Identifiers
• Usage Data
• Sensitive Info
• Diagnostics
• Other Data

Link

As you can see, there are better privacy alternatives to using WhatsApp on iOS and Android. However, users will have to be able to convince their contacts to switch to these apps, otherwise, you might find yourself forced to accept the company's new privacy policy — like many other users have, according to the company.