If Telegram Gets Banned in India, Here Are 5 Best Secure Messaging Apps You Should Try
Following the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France, the popular instant messaging app is under investigation in India for allegedly being used in illegal activities such as extortion and gambling. The inquiry, which could potentially lead to a ban on Telegram, is being conducted by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), as reported by Moneycontrol.
Should Telegram face a ban, users might need to seek alternatives for secure messaging. Here are five secure messaging apps that could serve as viable substitutes:
Best Telegram Alternatives
Signal: Signal is highly regarded for its security features. Launched in 2014 by Moxie Marlinspike and Brian Acton, Signal provides end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls by default. Its open-source nature allows for public inspection of its code, enhancing transparency and trust. Signal also offers features like disappearing messages and encrypted voice and video calls, making it a top choice for privacy-conscious users.
WhatsApp: Owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps globally, boasting over 2 billion users. It provides end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls, ensuring secure communication. WhatsApp supports group chats, voice messaging, and large file transfers. However, some users may be concerned about privacy due to its association with Meta and the company's history with data protection issues.
Brosix: Brosix is a secure team communication platform designed for businesses. It offers end-to-end encryption and features such as chat room controls, chat history archives, and customizable data security levels. Brosix also includes a virtual whiteboard and screen-sharing capabilities, making it a robust tool for collaborative work.
Mattermost: Mattermost serves as a secure alternative to both Telegram and Microsoft Teams, especially in IT and corporate settings. It provides end-to-end encryption for messages and is tailored for team collaboration. Mattermost supports cross-platform usage, allowing access from various devices, and includes features like file sharing, message search, and private chat rooms.
Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive collaboration platform that integrates with Microsoft 365. It offers end-to-end encryption and is suitable for both businesses and educational institutions. Teams supports video conferencing, file sharing, and real-time collaboration within a secure environment.
As investigations continue, users may want to explore these alternatives to ensure their communication remains private and secure.
