Messenger apps are part of everyday life for many people. However, not all services handle our data with care. If you value privacy, you should take a closer look - and adjust a few settings. We show you how you can use these services in a privacy-friendly way.
🔒 Why data protection is important for messenger apps
Messenger services often access contacts, location data, media content and user behavior. This information can be used for advertising, profiling or even government surveillance. Privacy-friendly use protects your privacy and that of your contacts.
✅ Privacy-friendly messenger alternatives
- SignalOpen source, end-to-end encryption, no metadata storage.
- ThreemaSwiss provider, no telephone number required, server location in Switzerland.
- Element (matrix)Decentralized, encrypted, particularly suitable for technology enthusiasts.
⚙️ Important settings for more privacy
- Deactivate read receipts
- Hide online status
- Switch off automatic media download
- Encrypt backup
- Restrict app permissions
👥 Responsibility towards your contacts
Data protection is not just self-protection - your contacts also benefit from it. If you upload your address book data, for example, you are revealing information about others without their consent. Avoid such functions if possible.
📌 Conclusion
Data protection starts with choosing the right messenger - and ends with the details in the settings. If you act consciously, you can also protect your privacy in everyday digital life.
📎 Read more on mindondigital.de
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✍️ Further information
🔐 Messenger services:
- Signal Messenger
https://signal.org/de/
→ Official page with information on security and download - Threema Messenger
https://threema.ch/de
→ Swiss messenger with a focus on data protection - Element (Matrix Messenger)
https://element.io
→ Decentralized, open source messenger based on Matrix
📚 Data protection & digital self-determination:
- Federal Commissioner for Data Protection (BfDI)
https://www.bfdi.bund.de
→ Official website of the data protection authority in Germany - Digitalcourage e.V.
https://digitalcourage.de
→ Civil rights association with lots of information & campaigns on data protection - PrivacyTools.io
https://www.privacytools.io
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👉 You can find more exciting content at MindOnDigital.
I've never taken Threema seriously - but after this overview I'm really thinking about it. Thank you.
Thank you, Tobi - It's reactions like these that show us that education works. Many people underestimate Threema because it's quiet - but that's what makes it so exciting: no data collection, no cloud dependency, full user control.
If you want to delve deeper: In the next newsletter, we'll take a closer look at exactly these tools - with practical examples and tips for making the switch. Great to have you here!
I'm currently looking for a secure messenger for my daughter - Threema sounds exciting. Any experience with family use?
Thanks for your comment - especially as a parent, it's not easy to find the right balance between security, trust and digital freedom. Threema is a good start because it works without a phone number and doesn't store any data centrally.
If you want to go deeper: We have a separate article on the digital self-determination among young people published.
There you will find practical tips on how to talk to your child about data protection - without panic, but with clarity.
There you will find practical tips on how to talk to your child about data protection - without panic, but with clarity.
It's great that you're addressing the issue - that's the most important step.