FB Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram: Know what data these apps collect

Thanks to Apple's new privacy labels, we know exactly what user data each app collects. A basic count shows that WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger collect the most user data among all other popular messaging apps, including Signal, Telegram and iMessage.

The new Apple privacy labels have not only made all app developers reveal what data the app collects, but they must also explain how this data is used. This has been done to ensure that you, as a user, know exactly what personal data an application is giving you access to without getting lost in lengthy privacy policies.

Here we have shared which messaging app collects what data so you can take a look and decide whether that app is worth using or if you'd rather switch to another, less intrusive one.

Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp collects the most data when compared to Apple's iMessage and considerably more private Signal and Telegram. Please take a look:

Facebook Messenger

Data collected by Facebook Messenger: Precise Location, Approximate Location, Physical Address, Email Address, Name, Phone Number, Other User Contact Information, Contacts, Photos Or Videos, Game Content, Other User Content, Search History, Browsing History, User ID, Device ID, Third-Party Advertising, Purchase History, Financial Information, Product Interaction, Advertising Data, Other Usage Data, Crash Data, Performance Data, Other Diagnostic Data, Other Types Data, Developers, Advertising Or Marketing, Health, Fitness, Payment Information, Confidential Information, Product Customization, Credit Information, Other Financial Information, Emails Or Text Messages.

WhatsApp

Data collected by WhatsApp: Phone Number, Email Address, Contacts, Approximate Location, Device Identification, User Identification, Advertising Data, Purchase History, Product Interaction, Payment Information, Failure Data, Performance Data, Other Diagnostic Data, Customer Service, Product Interaction, Other User, Content, Metadata.

Telegram

Data collected Telegram: Name, Phone Number, Contacts, User Identification.

Just one look at this list and you'll know that Signal is clearly the most secure messaging app and that both Facebook products are just as greedy as data. No wonder Facebook got so mad at Apple and its privacy labels and user tracking restrictions!

Signal

This app does not collect any data.

You must register with Signal using your mobile phone number to register, but the app does not link your phone number to your identity. If you check the App Store application, it indicates that there is no data linked to you.

iMessage

Data collected by iMessage: Email Address, Phone Number, Search History, Device Identification.