2021 has begun with WhatsApp’s new update and many users are getting ready to ditch the once-loved app. WhatsApp’s new privacy policy hasn’t sat well with most who are afraid that their data is at risk.
This, paired with Elon Musk’s ‘Use Signal’ tweet has created quite a frenzy for a new instant message app.
Use Signal
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 7, 2021
According to WhatsApp’s new policy, users will not be able to send or receive messages after February 8, until they accept the updated terms and conditions. One of the conditions being, that if the user refuses to share data with Facebook, they will have to quit WhatsApp. This information includes the user’s account information, address book information, status information, transactions and payments data, customer support communications and messages. In addition to this, it is also known to collect metadata but not much clarity is provided about what that implies.

I remember when I first downloaded #SignalApp I had zero contacts using it. Today, it has increased to 50. Time to make the switch, you guys!
— Pranav Kastury (@PranavKastury) January 8, 2021
This is prompting users to switch to apps which give priority to privacy, like Signal and Telegram. Taking this opportunity, Signal shared a tweet showing users how to switch from WhatsApp to this new app, without explicitly mentioning the former’s name.
A lot of people have been asking how to move their group chats from other apps to Signal, and Signal group links are a great way to get started. Drop a group link into your former chat app of choice like you’re dropping the mic on the way out. pic.twitter.com/q49DeZufBG
— Signal (@signalapp) January 7, 2021
What sets Signal apart? The app claims that it collects no data from you. Signal only needs your mobile number for registration, but according to reports, it doesn’t even link your phone number to your identity. Telegram on the other hand, which has been around much longer since the times of BBM, collects your name, phone number, contacts and user ID.
Signal is now more popular than whatsapp in India on app store. Looks like everyone is shifting now 😀.
— Shubham Dutt (@shubhamdutt13) January 9, 2021
Have you shifted yet?@signalapp #SignalApp #WhatsApp #WhatsAppPrivacyPolicy #Telegram #Signal pic.twitter.com/vztWUN6zIP
#WhatsAppPrivacyPolicy
— Muhammad Ali (@AliMughal098) January 9, 2021
The Social Dilemma (2020)
This might be a good time to think about WhatsApp alternatives. ✌🏼#WhatsAppPrivacyPolicy #SignalApp pic.twitter.com/TJpoe38mkS
Now I’m switching to @signalapp@WhatsApp “your App Is amazing but your Ethics aren’t” #WhatsApp #WhatsappPrivacy #SignalApp pic.twitter.com/OMA71yx4en
— Tentu65 (@tentu65) January 7, 2021
People running towards #SignalApp after #SignalApp announce privacy: pic.twitter.com/ApXGPjUzIE
— Ssrfan (@Ssrfan478780364) January 8, 2021

While the entire eco-system is on WhatsApp at the moment, the switch from WhatsApp to other messaging apps has become the talk of the talk. Will 2021 be the year we leave WhatsApp behind?