Unhappy with WhatsApp's move?
You can either opt out using the settings menu or switch to another messaging app
Messaging company WhatsApp recently announced it will start sharing some of the personal data of its users - including the user's phone number and contact list - with parent company Facebook to deliver better personalised ads.
The move has got many privacy advocates and consumers around the world up in arms over what many see are attempts to monetise Facebook's US$22 billion (S$30b) acquisition of WhatsApp at the expense of data privacy.
The good news is you can opt out of the data sharing option (in WhatsApp, go to Settings > Account > Share my account info and unselect the share info option). But if that doesn't allay your privacy concerns, you always have the choice of switching to another messaging app.
Here are some options:
Most popular among China users, WeChat is another interesting messaging service. WeChat is similar to WhatsApp in many ways, but it's built more as a multi-purpose social platform rather than a dedicated texting app.
PROS
Video and Voice Calling: Calling your friends using WeChat is free, including video calls which are not available on WhatsApp
Moments: Moments are like social media posts that allow you to share your thoughts and pictures with your friends, just like Facebook's Timeline.
Seamless Audio Messages: Audio messages can be played immediately without having to download them as a file.
CONS
No user status: Unlike WhatsApp, where you can tell if the user is online or when he was last online, WeChat doesn't have this function.
No message read confirmation: You can't tell if the receipient has read your message.
LINE
The Korean chat app promises so much more than just texting your friends.
The incredible number of cute stickers and emojis makes Line an instant hit among today's youths.
PROS
Large Database of Stickers: Line has probably one of the largest collection of stickers out there, from cute cats to funny cartoon characters. These stickers and emoticons can not only be sent to close friends, but to groups as well.
Timeline: Line has a timeline feature that allows you to share your stories in a way similar to Facebook.
CONS
Paid Emojis: Some of the cutest emoticons and stickers require LINE credits to purchase, which needs to be paid for in cash.
Only Read Receipts and no opting out: Unlike WhatsApp, Line doesn't have the two-ticks and blue ticks feature that lets you know that your message has been sent, received and read. Line only tells you if your message has been read or not. There is also no option to opt out of letting people know that you have read the Line messages.
TELEGRAM
Telegram is perhaps WhatsApp's No. 1 rival in the English-speaking world.
This free instant messaging service, well-known for its speed and security, is actually incredibly feature-rich, with cool stickers and even self-destructing messages.
PROS
Self-Destructing Messages Option: Think Snapchat for regular chats. Just open a secret chat with your friend and select a self-destruct timer from one second to one week, leaving no digital footprint behind.
Awesome Stickers and GIFs: Telegram's stickers are not the most robust, but they are incredibly funny and Westernised. Telegram even supports sending of animated GIFs that WhatsApp doesn't.
Adding via Username: You can simply add new friends via their usernames. You don't need their number to do so.
CONS
No Video Or Voice Calling Features.
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