WhatsApp vs Telegram which is Safer to Use?
In 2025, we use messaging apps for everything from chatting with friends to running businesses. But with so many privacy issues and hacking cases, the big question is: which app is safer, WhatsApp or Telegram?
Both are very popular, especially in India. WhatsApp is used by almost every smartphone user, while Telegram is growing fast because of its unique features and privacy promises. Let’s compare both apps in simple language so you can decide which one is better for your personal or business use.
WhatsApp Security in 2025
WhatsApp, owned by Meta (the same company as Facebook and Instagram), has strong security features. It uses end-to-end encryption for all chats, calls, and group messages. This means no one—not even WhatsApp—can read your messages or listen to your calls. Only you and the person you’re chatting with can see the messages.
In 2025, WhatsApp made things even better. Now you can also encrypt your chat backups on Google Drive or iCloud. Before this, hackers could access your chat history from the cloud, but now it’s fully protected with a password or special key.
WhatsApp also added some extra safety features like passkey login, alerts when someone tries to log into your account, and better control over connected devices. These changes help protect your account from hackers and SIM card theft.
However, there’s one problem. WhatsApp collects a lot of data like your phone number, location, contacts, and how often you use the app. Even though your messages are private, this information is shared with Meta. That makes some people uncomfortable, especially those who care a lot about privacy.
Telegram Security in 2025
Telegram is another powerful app that became famous for its focus on privacy. It works differently from WhatsApp. Regular chats on Telegram are not end-to-end encrypted by default. Instead, they are stored on Telegram’s cloud servers, but the company says they are still safe and encrypted.
If you want full end-to-end encryption, you have to use “Secret Chats”, a feature you can turn on manually. These chats don’t get saved in the cloud and are only stored on your phone. You also can’t forward these messages or take screenshots, which adds more privacy.
In 2025, Telegram added two-step verification for all users and introduced ID verification for group admins and bot creators. These features are made to reduce spam and fake accounts but also raise some concerns about privacy.
The good thing is, Telegram collects less data than WhatsApp. It doesn’t save your contact list or chat activity in detail. You can even use Telegram without giving your phone number. You just need a username, which makes it great for people who want to stay anonymous.
Transparency and Code Access
Telegram lets developers see its open-source code for the app, which makes it more transparent. But the server-side code is still private, so we can’t fully verify how data is stored. WhatsApp, on the other hand, uses the well-known Signal Protocol for encryption but doesn’t share its full code either.
Both apps claim to protect user privacy, but neither one is 100% open. Still, Telegram gives developers and users more control and freedom to build bots, channels, and tools.
Recent Updates and Privacy Concerns in 2025
In 2025, WhatsApp said it won’t show ads in chats, but it is slowly testing AI features that may use your data to suggest replies or stickers. People worry this could lead to more data tracking in the future.
Telegram, on the other hand, introduced ads in large public channels, but it says these ads are not based on your personal data. Your private chats will never have ads, which is a big relief for privacy-conscious users.
Governments in many countries, including India, are asking these companies to track messages or reveal user data for national security. Both WhatsApp and Telegram are trying to protect users while following local rules. It’s a tough balance, and the fight for digital freedom is ongoing.
So, Which App is Safer in 2025?
Here’s the simple answer: If you want strong end-to-end encryption by default, choose WhatsApp. It’s more secure for everyday users who want their messages and calls to stay private without changing settings.
If you care more about staying anonymous, sharing content in groups, or keeping your data out of big tech hands, then Telegram is the better choice.
WhatsApp is better for personal use and encrypted backups, while Telegram is better for privacy lovers, digital creators, and people who manage big communities.
Both WhatsApp and Telegram have improved a lot in 2025, but they serve different types of users. WhatsApp is secure and simple, while Telegram is private and powerful.
No matter which app you choose, make sure to turn on two-step verification, use a strong password, and never share sensitive information unless necessary.
In the end, your safety depends on how you use the app not just the app itself.
