Messages
Most private conversations now happen in messaging apps, which makes them a natural target for surveillance proposals. The single most effective step is to use end-to-end encryption, so that only you and the person you're talking to can read what's sent. These guides help you switch your everyday chats onto tools that protect content by default, and explain honestly what still leaks (like who you talk to and when).
Tools compared
Can anyone but you and the recipient read the message?
- SMS / MMS
Plain text to your carrier and readable on the network. Treat it as a postcard.
- Telegram (default chats)Visittelegram.org
A common misconception: Telegram's normal chats are NOT end-to-end encrypted. Telegram holds the keys and could be compelled to hand them over.
- WhatsAppVisitwhatsapp.com
Message content is end-to-end encrypted (Signal's protocol), but Meta collects extensive metadata: who you talk to, when, and how often.
- Telegram Secret Chats
When you explicitly start a Secret Chat it is end-to-end encrypted, but it's one-to-one only, tied to a single device, and never the default.
- iMessage
End-to-end encrypted between Apple devices, but falls back to plain SMS with non-Apple contacts, and iCloud Backup can expose messages unless Advanced Data Protection is on.
- SignalVisitsignal.org
End-to-end encrypted by default, minimal metadata, open-source, run by a non-profit. Our default recommendation.
- OlvidVisitolvid.io
French end-to-end encrypted messenger that needs no phone number and keeps no central directory of users. ANSSI-validated and mandated for French government members since 2023.
- ThreemaVisitthreema.ch
Swiss paid app; no phone number required and minimal metadata by design.
Verified July 2026 and not exhaustive. “Readable by the provider” means the content can, in principle, be scanned or handed over. We take no money from any product listed here; where a tool sits can change, so check its current documentation.
Guides
- Back up your messages safely How to keep a backup of your conversations without quietly undoing your encryption, covering Signal, WhatsApp, and iMessage with Advanced Data Protection.
- Move a group chat to Signal without losing anyone A friendly, step-by-step playbook for migrating a family or community group chat to Signal's end-to-end encryption, including how to bring less-technical members along.
- Set up truly private messaging in 15 minutes Why end-to-end encryption matters, how to set up Signal properly, and an honest look at what WhatsApp and SMS do and don't protect.