Instant messaging is a more convenient way to transfer information than email, and more secure than text sms - if you have the correct application installed.
Experts from the international human rights organization Amnesty International analyzed the encryption systems of the most popular instant messengers and made a rating of the security of instant messaging services. Previously, a similar list was published by the FalconGaze analytical center, but in its ranking the places were distributed in a different way (see below).
10. Blackberry
This messenger is used by 100 million users and offers end-to-end encryption only as part of a paid service subscription. The end-to-end system involves the transfer of encrypted information from device to device, not through intermediaries, but directly. Thus, complete confidentiality of correspondence is maintained.
9. Snapchat
More than 100 million people use it every day. Despite the fact that the creators of Snapchat are promoting privacy, in practice, the service lacks the ability to protect the privacy of its users. It does not support end-to-end encryption.
8. Skype
Microsoft owns Skype (audience - 300 million people per month) since 2011, and Skype, in turn, is the main target of government oversight around the world. Although Microsoft verbally respects user privacy rights, it does not use end-to-end encryption.
7. Kakao
South Korean company Daum Kakao owns KakaoTalk, a mobile app with 49 million monthly active users. The South Korean government used a spy program to track and control citizens through the app. The company subsequently took steps to improve its level of encryption, but does not apply end-to-end encryption as standard.
6. Viber Media
A messaging app with 700 million registered users. By default, there is end-to-end encryption. But the company does not disclose full details of how it performs encryption. Viber is considered one of the most popular messengers.
5. Line
Mobile messaging service with over 200 million daily active users. Most of them are residents of Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan. There is end-to-end encryption without any additional subscriptions. However, the company does not inform its users of all possible network threats, and does not publish transparency reports.
4. Google
Google Apps has the following messaging apps: Allo, Duo, and Hangouts. Duo has end-to-end encryption as standard, Allo is optional, and Hangouts doesn't. Google takes a public stance against encryption backdoors that unlock devices or apps and give governments access to citizens' personal data.
3. Telegram
Opens the top 3 most secure messengers messaging app with 100 million active users. This brand is unwavering in its commitment to protecting privacy and freedom of expression. So it's surprising that Telegram doesn't use end-to-end encryption by default.
2. Apple
The iMessage and Facetime apps provide end-to-end encryption as standard. Apple, like Google, has publicly taken a stance against encryption backdoors and has reported government requests for data.However, the corporation must do more to notify users within the apps themselves when their messages are protected with end-to-end encryption and when not (for example, when sending a message on a non-iPhone).
1. Facebook
Leading the top 10 security messengers Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. Together they number 2 billion users, are the most secure and transparent messengers in their actions. WhatsApp is the only app that has explicitly warned users when end-to-end encryption is not being applied in a particular chat. However, Messenger does not use end-to-end encryption a priori, and users are not warned about a weak form of encryption in chat.