WhatsApp has introduced a much-anticipated feature that will allow users to store contacts directly within the app, alongside the possibility of using usernames for added privacy. With this development, WhatsApp joins the ranks of competitors like Telegram and Signal, which have been offering username functionality for a while. Here, we explore the new contact storage feature, its security implications, and how it compares with other messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal.
Key Features of WhatsApp’s Contact Storage Update
Cloud-Based Contact Storage
One of the most significant updates WhatsApp has introduced is its new cloud-based contact storage. Previously, WhatsApp relied entirely on your phone’s contact book, meaning contacts were saved locally on your device. Now, with the new update, users can store contacts directly within the app, ensuring that even if they lose their phone or switch devices, their contacts will be safe in WhatsApp’s cloud storage. This is particularly useful for users with multiple devices linked to one WhatsApp account, as it allows seamless access to the same contact list across all devices, including WhatsApp Web and the Windows desktop version.
Username Feature
In addition to contact storage, WhatsApp is set to introduce usernames for added privacy. This feature will allow users to interact without needing to share their phone numbers, addressing a significant concern for those looking to maintain privacy when interacting with new contacts. Telegram and Signal have long allowed users to use usernames for communication, making WhatsApp’s move a long-awaited addition for privacy-conscious users.
The Technology Behind WhatsApp’s Contact Storage
To ensure that the new feature is secure, WhatsApp developed an encrypted system called Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS). Each time a user saves a contact, an encryption key is generated on the device, providing robust security. WhatsApp has also partnered with Cloudflare to sign cryptographic changes made to the user’s contact list, ensuring that unauthorized modifications can’t be made. This layer of encryption mirrors WhatsApp’s focus on security, which is a crucial factor in user trust.
Comparison: WhatsApp vs Telegram vs Signal
Let’s take a closer look at how WhatsApp’s contact storage and usernames compare to similar offerings by its competitors.
| Feature | Telegram | Signal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact Storage | Cloud-based, synced across devices | Cloud-based | Local storage only, no cloud |
| Username Privacy | Coming soon, for added privacy | Already available | Already available |
| Encryption Protocol | End-to-end encryption for all chats | End-to-end encryption only for “Secret Chats” | End-to-end encryption for all communication |
| Group Chat Capacity | Up to 256 users | Up to 200,000 users | Up to 1,000 users |
| Data Collection | Collects various user data for functionality and ads | Minimal data collection for app functionality | Collects only phone number, no additional data |
| Backup | Supports cloud backups (Google Drive, iCloud) | Cloud backups, except for Secret Chats | Local backup, no cloud storage |
Security Comparison
WhatsApp and Signal both use the open-source Signal Protocol for encryption, offering end-to-end encryption by default for all communications. Telegram, however, only provides this level of encryption for its “Secret Chats,” while regular chats are cloud-based and not end-to-end encrypted. This makes Signal the most secure option, followed closely by WhatsApp, particularly with the introduction of IPLS for contacts. Telegram, while offering a wealth of features, falls behind in terms of encryption across the board.
Detailed Feature Comparison: WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal
Apart from encryption and contact storage, let’s take a deeper dive into the unique features of each app:
- WhatsApp: Offers group chats for up to 256 people, voice and video calls (up to 8 users in group calls), and status updates (akin to stories). The upcoming contact storage feature adds convenience, especially with multiple-device support. However, WhatsApp collects a range of user data that it shares with Facebook for advertising and analytics purposes, which has caused some controversy.
- Telegram: Known for its extensive group chat capabilities (up to 200,000 users) and a variety of engaging features like bots, polls, and quizzes. Telegram’s cloud-based nature makes it incredibly flexible for users who switch between devices, though this comes at the cost of reduced encryption for regular chats.
- Signal: The gold standard for privacy. Signal goes beyond simple end-to-end encryption, offering encrypted metadata through its Sealed Sender feature. Signal doesn’t collect user data beyond the phone number required for account creation. Additionally, it provides local, encrypted backups, but does not support cloud storage like WhatsApp and Telegram.
FAQs: WhatsApp Contact Storage and Usernames
1. How secure is WhatsApp’s new contact storage feature? WhatsApp has integrated its contact storage with IPLS, a new encrypted system that ensures only authenticated devices can access saved contacts. This ensures that your contacts are protected, even if you switch devices or lose your phone.
2. Will usernames replace phone numbers on WhatsApp? Usernames are being introduced as an additional privacy measure, allowing users to interact without needing to share their phone numbers. However, phone numbers will still be required for account registration and will remain an option for contact sharing.
3. Can I use the contact storage feature across devices? Yes, with the new cloud-based contact storage system, your contacts will be synced across all devices, including WhatsApp Web and Windows.
4. How does WhatsApp’s encryption compare with Telegram and Signal? WhatsApp uses the Signal Protocol for end-to-end encryption, similar to Signal. Telegram, however, only offers end-to-end encryption in Secret Chats. Signal is regarded as the most secure option due to its additional privacy-focused features like Sealed Sender.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s upcoming contact storage and username features represent a significant leap forward in both convenience and privacy. With encrypted storage ensuring security and usernames adding a layer of anonymity, WhatsApp is setting itself up as a stronger competitor to Signal and Telegram in the privacy-focused messaging space. While Telegram offers unparalleled group chat features and Signal remains the gold standard for privacy, WhatsApp’s new tools make it a well-rounded choice for users seeking both security and user-friendly features.
