TL;DR
- WhatsApp is adding a feature that will let users save disappearing messages.
- Signal may see another boost in users in response to the feature.
WhatsApp just gave its users another reason to switch to Signal, thanks to a big change to how disappearing messages work.
The new feature will allow anyone to keep a message, essentially converting it from a disappearing message to a standard one. While it is true that anyone in the chat thread can “un-keep” a message, thereby causing it to disappear for everyone, it only works if a person notices the message was marked for preservation in the first place.
Disappearing messages are an essential privacy feature, giving users the ability to send and convey information, but preventing that message from being saved, or serving as a record of the conversation. This is an especially important feature for individuals, such as journalists, whose phones could be seized. Disappearing messages ensure there is nothing present on the device that could be used against them. In addition to the privacy benefits, disappearing messages are also a good way to save space.
Read more: The best encrypted private messenger apps for Android
Signal has become a popular alternative to WhatsApp, providing better security and privacy. In fact, according to Signal, the app has been used by US military units, is approved for use by the US Senate, and is used by the EU Commission.
There were already plenty of reasons that led us to declare that “Signal is probably the safest and most secure chat app you can use.” WhatsApp’s latest feature is just one more reason Signal may be a better option for some users.
