Telegram Data Policies Compared to WhatsApp and Signal
Posted: Mon May 26, 2025 6:27 am
In the competitive world of messaging apps, data privacy and security are critical factors influencing user choice. Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal are three popular platforms that emphasize privacy but differ significantly in how they handle user data. Understanding these differences in data policies helps users and businesses make informed decisions based on their privacy needs.
Telegram Data Policies
Telegram promotes itself as a privacy-focused platform but takes a unique approach compared to WhatsApp and Signal. Telegram stores regular chat data on its cloud servers, encrypted in telegram data transit and at rest. This cloud-based architecture enables users to access messages from multiple devices seamlessly. However, only Secret Chats in Telegram are end-to-end encrypted, meaning the messages are encrypted directly between sender and receiver without Telegram’s servers having access.
Telegram collects some user data such as phone numbers and contacts, which are necessary for account creation and friend discovery. Importantly, Telegram states that it does not share user data with third parties or use it for targeted advertising. Its privacy policy emphasizes user control over data and offers features like self-destructing messages and two-factor authentication for added security.
WhatsApp Data Policies
WhatsApp, owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), uses end-to-end encryption for all personal chats and calls by default. This means WhatsApp cannot access the content of messages, providing a high level of confidentiality. However, WhatsApp collects significant metadata — including phone numbers, contact lists, device information, and usage patterns — to support services and improve the platform.
WhatsApp’s data sharing with Meta has sparked privacy concerns, especially after policy updates in recent years. Although message content remains private, metadata may be used for targeted advertising and improving Meta’s ecosystem. WhatsApp’s privacy policy also allows data sharing with third-party service providers and business accounts, which can impact data control.
Signal Data Policies
Signal is widely regarded as the gold standard for privacy-focused messaging. It employs end-to-end encryption for all communications by default, including group chats, voice, and video calls. Signal collects minimal user data—primarily the phone number used for registration. Unlike Telegram and WhatsApp, Signal does not store messages or metadata beyond what is necessary for basic functionality.
Signal’s open-source protocol and transparent privacy practices have earned strong trust among privacy advocates. The app does not track users, does not collect contact lists (contacts are hashed locally), and has no business model based on data monetization. Signal emphasizes complete user privacy and minimal data retention.
Telegram Data Policies
Telegram promotes itself as a privacy-focused platform but takes a unique approach compared to WhatsApp and Signal. Telegram stores regular chat data on its cloud servers, encrypted in telegram data transit and at rest. This cloud-based architecture enables users to access messages from multiple devices seamlessly. However, only Secret Chats in Telegram are end-to-end encrypted, meaning the messages are encrypted directly between sender and receiver without Telegram’s servers having access.
Telegram collects some user data such as phone numbers and contacts, which are necessary for account creation and friend discovery. Importantly, Telegram states that it does not share user data with third parties or use it for targeted advertising. Its privacy policy emphasizes user control over data and offers features like self-destructing messages and two-factor authentication for added security.
WhatsApp Data Policies
WhatsApp, owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), uses end-to-end encryption for all personal chats and calls by default. This means WhatsApp cannot access the content of messages, providing a high level of confidentiality. However, WhatsApp collects significant metadata — including phone numbers, contact lists, device information, and usage patterns — to support services and improve the platform.
WhatsApp’s data sharing with Meta has sparked privacy concerns, especially after policy updates in recent years. Although message content remains private, metadata may be used for targeted advertising and improving Meta’s ecosystem. WhatsApp’s privacy policy also allows data sharing with third-party service providers and business accounts, which can impact data control.
Signal Data Policies
Signal is widely regarded as the gold standard for privacy-focused messaging. It employs end-to-end encryption for all communications by default, including group chats, voice, and video calls. Signal collects minimal user data—primarily the phone number used for registration. Unlike Telegram and WhatsApp, Signal does not store messages or metadata beyond what is necessary for basic functionality.
Signal’s open-source protocol and transparent privacy practices have earned strong trust among privacy advocates. The app does not track users, does not collect contact lists (contacts are hashed locally), and has no business model based on data monetization. Signal emphasizes complete user privacy and minimal data retention.