It is difficult to escape the WhatsApp phenomenon. In just a few years, the app owned by Meta has managed to become a highly sought-after and used messaging application around the world. Nearly 3 billion people in have used or use the app around the globe.
However, WhatsApp is far from being a perfect application.
Here are 5 reasons why you should consider switching messaging apps, or even uninstalling WhatsApp from your phone.
1) Worse features than the competition
Just because WhatsApp is extremely popular doesn’t mean it’s automatically the best or most advanced solution out there. In terms of features, the platform often lags behind other solutions in terms of development, and finds itself adding features that competing apps have long since had.
Il WhatsApp’s main competitor is Telegramwhich offers, for example, larger group chats and a higher level of customization.
2) Security and privacy
The first reason to consider stopping using WhatsApp is related to the security and privacy of users in general. Yes, WhatsApp has the crittografia end-to-endso no one, not even Meta, has access to the content of the conversations, but the metadata collection (information about when and with whom you communicate), which can be used to better target ads within the Meta platforms.
3) Sharing data with Meta
WhatsApp is owned by Meta, the same company that also owns Facebook and Instagram. To paraphrase, they really like user data because without it, their apps don’t work. WhatsApp shares some user information with their parent company, which can then use it, usually to improve ad targeting.
4) GDPR issues
Many of you will be familiar with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation); all companies must follow this in some way. Meta is unfortunately not very good at not doing so, and WhatsApp itself has been criticized in the past for not following these rules.
5) Controversial change to terms of use
In 2021, a change to WhatsApp’s terms of service came into effect, which included the requirement to share more private data with Meta, which understandably caused a wave of discontent. Many users began to abandon the app.
