The contribution element: Everything you need to know about the WhatsApp alternative first appeared at the online magazine Basic Thinking. You can start the day well every morning via our newsletter update.
Data protection and digital sovereignty play an important role for more and more people. The background: geopolitical upheavals and the increasing power less technology groups-primarily from the USA. Software options are therefore more in demand than ever. Today in focus: the WhatsApp alternative element.
The idea of foregoing software products from the USA is not new. Because companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Apple and Facebook Group Meta not only have an enormous market power, but also use it-sometimes with contrary practices.
Many also have concerns that sensitive data in the hands of US companies are not in good hands. After the take office of US President Donald Trump again, the topic is gaining in importance again, since the question is increasingly asking whether the United States is still a reliable partner for Europe.
Tech-COS such as Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Sundar Pichai (Google), Elon Musk (X) and Tim Cook (Apple) also seem to be shot in front of Trump. Critics therefore fear a closer interweaving of politics and business – possibly at the expense of user interests and data protection. Against this background, we present you: the WhatsApp alternative element.
What is element?
The element is an open source messenger based on the so-called matrix protocol. This is a decentralized communication standard that runs comparable to email communication on an open network of servers. Users have the option of either using the official matrix server (matrix.org) or operating a server themselves.
Specifically, the communication is fed and nobody has to rely on a single provider. The element app enables encrypted text messages, language and video calls, sharing files as well as group and spatial functions. The messenger is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android and iOS and regularly receives updates.
According to the official information, the topic of data protection is in the focus of element. All messages can be encrypted at the end, whereby users can choose between unencrypted and encrypted rooms. In contrast to WhatsApp or Telegram, messages are not necessarily stored centrally – especially not if you run your own server.
A clear advantage of the app: Element does not save a telephone number to identify users. Registration takes place by email or completely anonymously with the user name and password. It is even possible to operate the app completely offline – in a closed system.
How does the app work?
The biggest difference to other messengers is in the software architecture. While WhatsApp is completely centralized and bound to the meta group, element is based on an open network. This gives users more control, for example via storage location, backups or the integrations with other services.
The element is also modular. Specifically, it means that other tools such as Slack, Github or even Telegram can be connected. The user interface is somewhat more technical than with WhatsApp and Co., but offers significantly more individual configuration options.
Element is aimed primarily at users who want digital independence and want to take data protection into their own hands. However, the app is primarily aimed at technology -savvy people, companies, NGOs or activists who attach great importance to safe internal communication. But the app is also an alternative for private users.
Conclusion: WhatsApp alternative element
Element is not a copy of WhatsApp – and it doesn’t want to be. The app stands for an open, safe and decentralized communication model in which the focus should be on the users. Entry requires some technical understanding. But if you are ready to get involved, you will receive a powerful and future-proof messenger alternative with element.
The comunication platform is fundamentally suitable as a WhatsApp alternative. However, element is aimed specifically at a smaller target group. The company does not name any official user numbers for the app. However, the underlying matrix network records over 125 million accounts worldwide-the trend is rising.
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The contribution element: Everything you need to know about the WhatsApp alternative first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard Or subscribe to our update newsletter.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe Element has the potential to be a strong competitor to WhatsApp as a messaging platform. With its focus on privacy and security, Element addresses many of the concerns that users have about WhatsApp, especially in light of recent controversies surrounding data privacy.
Element’s use of end-to-end encryption and open-source technology is a big selling point for those who prioritize privacy in their messaging apps. Additionally, the platform’s integration with Matrix protocol allows for seamless communication across different platforms and devices, making it a versatile option for users.
One of the key advantages of Element is its emphasis on decentralization, which means that users have more control over their data and communication. This aligns with the growing trend towards decentralization in the tech industry, as users become more aware of the risks associated with centralized platforms.
Overall, Element seems to be a promising alternative to WhatsApp for those who value privacy and security in their messaging apps. However, it remains to be seen how quickly it will be adopted by users and whether it can truly compete with the established giant in the messaging space.
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