WhatsApp and most messaging apps are funded by advertising, so they collect your private data to sell it. Privacy-respecting alternatives do exist, such as Matrix.
Privacy
Matrix is a protocol designed to protect users’ privacy. The Matrix.org Foundation, which oversees the development of this protocol, is a nonprofit organization. Matrix is free software, which means its source code is publicly available. This allows anyone to verify how it works and contribute to its improvement. Matrix uses end-to-end encryption1 for all conversations, ensuring that only the people involved can read the messages. Matrix aims to provide a free (libre)2, standard, and global network. It therefore does not require a specific app to use it and enables secure communication between different software (messaging clients). The official app is Element. Nheko, FluffyChat, and Cinny are other popular clients. A list of the main clients is available on matrix.org.
No Advertising
Unlike WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta (Facebook) and collects personal data for commercial purposes, Matrix limits data collection to what is necessary for the service to function. The same applies to free (libre) clients. Your conversations remain private; they are not used for targeted advertising, and your exchanges are not cluttered with ads based on your online behavior.
Decentralization and Data Control
Matrix is a decentralized protocol, just like email. To start using it, you need an account provider. This gives you more control over your data; you can choose a server you trust and whose moderation rules suit you. The Matrix.org Foundation hosts the matrix.org server, which is recommended for beginners. And if you want to retain full control over your data, you can install and self-host your own server.
Interoperability
Matrix is designed to be interoperable with other messaging platforms. This means you can communicate with users on various compatible platforms, such as Signal or Jitsi, for example. It’s easy to set up with Jitsi, but with Signal, it requires dedicated hosting, along with some configuration and maintenance work.
Why Matrix over Signal?
Signal is often cited as one of the messaging apps most focused on confidentiality and privacy protection. It has notably been recommended by whistleblower Edward Snowden to protect against mass surveillance programs, such as those he exposed in the United States.
But unlike Matrix, Signal is a centralized app that uses a single server. It is not possible to switch servers or self-host your own Signal server. Furthermore, to create an account with Signal, you must provide your phone number and, even more troubling, use a non-free Android or iOS system. For those who use only free (libre) systems like Linux, including on their phones, Matrix is the secure messaging solution you need.
Why Matrix Over Telegram?
Telegram is often presented as a “safer” alternative to other proprietary3 messaging apps (WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.). However, it is a less reliable solution than Signal or Matrix. Telegram operates in a centralized manner; all messages pass through the company’s servers. In terms of transparency, Telegram relies only partially on free software: the client app is free (libre), but the server-side source code is not accessible. We therefore cannot know what happens on the server or what data may be collected and stored there (phone numbers, contacts, timestamps, IP addresses, profile information, etc.). End-to-end encryption is possible but optional; it must be explicitly enabled at the start of each conversation (secret chat): Telegram’s developers claim that in this case, nothing is stored on their servers and that they are also unable to decrypt these messages. Since 2021, Telegram has introduced ads in large public channels (over 1,000 subscribers) but claims they are non-targeted: they are not based on users’ profiles or individual behavior, but solely on the theme of the channel where they appear. Neither Signal nor Matrix is funded by advertising, targeted or otherwise.
Conclusion
The Matrix protocol offers a private, transparent, and flexible instant messaging solution. It allows users to regain control of their data and participate in a free, decentralized messaging experience. However, Android or iOS users who prioritize simplicity might prefer Signal.
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The adjective free in English is commonly used in one of two meanings: "at no monetary cost" (gratis) or "with little or no restriction" (libre). This ambiguity can cause issues where the distinction is important, that is why we use "(libre)" alongside free. See Wikipedia, Gratis versus libre ↩
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"Proprietary software, also called nonfree software, means software that doesn't respect users' freedom and community. A proprietary program puts its developer or owner in a position of power over its users.", Free Software Foundation, Proprietary Software Is Often Malware ↩
