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Privacy and security have become the primary factors people consider when choosing a messaging app. In this comparison, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the differences between two of the most popular messaging apps worldwide – Telegram and WhatsApp – with a specific focus on their security features.
We examine encryption protocols, data storage practices, and data usage policies to determine how Telegram and WhatsApp protect your privacy and which messaging app emerges as the more secure option in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp has a default end-to-end encryption for all communications.
- Telegram provides optional end-to-end encryption for “Secret Chats” only.
- WhatsApp stores encrypted backups in Google Drive or iCloud, while Telegram stores encrypted cloud chat data on its servers.
- Both apps collect user data, but the extent and usage differ.
- Both apps comply with relevant data protection regulations, but Telegram has faced more scrutiny.
- Show Full Guide
Telegram vs. WhatsApp: Security Features Comparison
Let’s compare Telegram and WhatsApp’s core security features directly to quickly assess their strengths and weaknesses.
| Feature | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|
| Security Protocol | MTProto | Signal Protocol |
| Encryption | End-to-end encryption for Secret Chats only; client-server encryption for regular chats | End-to-end encryption for all chats by default |
| Data Storage | Encrypted on Telegram’s servers for cloud chats; not stored for Secret Chats | Encrypted backups in Google Drive or iCloud |
| Secret Chats | Yes, with self-destructing messages | No |
| Two-Factor Authentication | Yes | Yes |
WhatsApp vs. Telegram: All You Need to Know About Security
Now let us look into the specifics between Telegram Messenger vs. WhatsApp. Their security features really show us how each stands out from one another.
Here, we break down the technical details to help you better understand Telegram’s and WhatsApp’s major differences and how these apps protect your privacy.
Telegram vs. Whatsapp Security Protocols
So, Is Telegram more secure than WhatsApp? Let’s examine the underlying protocols behind both messaging apps.
WhatsApp uses the Signal Protocol, an open-source framework, which is considered a leading encryption protocol for secure messaging.
This system combines several cryptographic techniques to ensure your messages remain private and confidential. The framework relies on public key cryptography.
But what does this even mean? In simple terms, each user possesses a unique pair of keys: a public key for sharing and a private key kept secret.
This mechanism enables secure encryption and decryption of messages. End-to-end encryption guarantees that only the sender and recipient can read the messages, preventing WhatsApp itself from accessing the content.
You might think that these encryption keys are stored on WhatsApp servers, but they are not. They are actually on users’ devices, and this gives users an extra security layer. Moreover, independent experts can review Signal’s open-source protocol, ensuring its reliability.
Telegram, on the other hand, uses its own unique system, MTProto, meant for mobile messaging and encrypted communication across multiple devices. It also focuses on keeping chats secure but works differently from the Signal Protocol.
In regular Telegram chats, messages are encrypted between your device and Telegram’s servers, but Telegram retains the decryption keys. This means they could potentially access your messages. End-to-end encryption is only offered for Telegram’s “Secret Chats” feature.
MTProto is not open-source, raising concerns about its transparency and lack of independent analysis.
Encryption
When it comes to Telegram encryption vs. WhatsApp, WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption by default for all communications to help ensure that only the sender and recipient can read messages.
Before a message leaves your device, it is secured with a cryptographic lock where only the recipient has the keys. These keys change with every single message that’s sent.
Using Signal Protocol, WhatsApp combines multiple cryptographic techniques, starting with public-key encryption. Each user has a pair of randomly generated keys – one private and one public. The sender uses the recipient’s public key to encrypt messages, and the recipient uses their private key to decrypt it. Since your device generates the private key, WhatsApp never has access to it.
Telegram only offers end-to-end encryption for its “Secret Chats” feature. Regular chats are encrypted between the user and Telegram’s servers, but Telegram holds the decryption keys.
This means that while the data is encrypted in transit between the user and Telegram’s servers, Telegram can potentially access the messages.
Data Storage
Understanding Telegram and WhatsApp differences in data storage is really important when choosing between them.
WhatsApp stores user data primarily on their devices.
This reduces reliance on cloud storage and ensures that data – including messages, photos, and videos – is readily available offline.
However, WhatsApp offers a backup feature (optional) that allows to store an encrypted copy of chat history in Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iOS) users.
Whatsapps’ backups are also encrypted. They provide an additional security layer. However, you should note that backups take space and count toward your cloud storage limits.
As a cloud-based messaging service, Telegram stores all cloud chat data, including messages, media, and files, on its servers.
This means you can access your data across multiple devices without the need to rely on third-party backups.
Telegram uses a distributed infrastructure and operates in data centers located in different jurisdictions. To enhance security, the encryption keys for this data are stored separately from the data itself and in different locations.
This distributed storage of encryption keys makes it more difficult for unauthorized access, even in the event of a data center breach.
However, it’s important to remember that Telegram’s “Secret Chats” are not stored on their servers and are only accessible on the devices where they were initiated.
Telegram vs. WhatsApp Privacy: How Do They Use Your Data?
How is Telegram different from WhatsApp in terms of user data handling and privacy?
Both WhatsApp and Telegram collect user data, but the extent and usage differ significantly.
Understanding the differences between Telegram features vs. WhatsApp is important for making informed decisions about your privacy.
WhatsApp states that this data is used to improve service functionality, personalize features, and provide targeted advertising across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
While WhatsApp emphasizes that messages are end-to-end encrypted and not accessible to them, collecting metadata is still a matter of concern. Potentially, it can be used to track users’ online behavior and build their detailed profiles.
Telegram emphasizes that they do not use user data for targeted advertising and do not sell data to third parties. However, concerns remain regarding the storage of regular chat data on their servers, even though it is encrypted.
Is Telegram or WhatsApp More Secure in 2025?
For most users comparing WhatsApp and Telegram and prioritizing security and ease of use, WhatsApp appears to be the more secure option in 2025.
That conclusion is based on its default end-to-end encryption for all communications and reliance on the well-vetted Signal Protocol, which provides a higher level of confidence in message privacy.
However, concerns remain regarding WhatsApp’s data sharing with Meta.
Telegram offers more granular privacy controls and features like Secret Chats, which may appeal to users with specific privacy needs. However, the lack of default end-to-end encryption for regular chats is a significant drawback for security-conscious users.
Popular Alternatives
- Signal: Known for its strong focus on privacy and security, with open-source code and advanced encryption features.
- Viber: Offers end-to-end encryption and a wide range of features, including group chats and international calls.
- Discord: Popular for communities and gaming, with encryption in transit and at rest.
The best messaging app really depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Consider the security features, privacy policies, and overall functionality when making your choice if you haven’t already.
The Bottom Line: Is Telegram Better Than WhatsApp or Vice Versa?
Both WhatsApp and Telegram implement strong security features to protect user privacy, but WhatsApp emerges as the more secure option for most users in 2025 due to its default end-to-end encryption and reliance on the widely trusted Signal Protocol.
However, Telegram has some benefits too. Its granular controls and Secret Chats could attract users with specific privacy needs.
When deciding between Whatsapp or Telegram, it’s essential to weigh the security features, privacy policies, and overall functionality to make an informed decision that aligns with your individual needs and priorities.
FAQs
How does Telegram work?
Is Telegram safer than WhatsApp?
How safe is Telegram compared to WhatsApp?
Why do people use Telegram?
Why is Telegram better than WhatsApp?
Why is Telegram safer than WhatsApp?
References
- Technical information?(Signal)
- Mobile Protocol: Detailed Description (Core Telegram)
