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.
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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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