This about why I'd prefer to use the Signal messaging app instead of WhatsApp.

I am a fan of social technologies. But I'm unhappy about the strategies of the companies that run them and how they are responding to the problems their services are creating.

The documentary The Social Dilemma explains; it's a tad corny but is worth watching. The issue not about security or even privacy, it is that social tech is affecting mental health, particularly that of the young.

These companies need a kick. Facebook/Meta is the worst. And WhatsApp is a good place to start because there are alternatives, like Signal, that are easy to change to.

WhatsApp was created in 2009, was a giant success and was sold to Facebook in 2014. One of its two creators Brian Acton left Facebook in 2017 after a disagreement with Mark Zuckerberg about how it would be used to make money.

Brian subsequently got involved with Signal, setting up an independent not-for profit foundation to run it. I believe their intentions are good. In other news (for different reasons to mine) Signal was... famously used by Edward Snowden; has been recommended by Jack Dorsey who started Twitter and was adopted by leaking British politicians.

Even if you are not persuaded by any of this then switch to Signal because of Moxie Marlinspike who invented both it and the best made-up name ever.

Get Signal here