Top messengers in the world. Fresh statistics on the use of instant messengers in Russia published

Many of us can no longer imagine life without a phone and the Internet, and for most people these are the most important tools in their work. In this article, we will analyze the most popular instant messengers in the world and their differences from each other. After all, in our time in messengers you can not only send text messages, but also make calls, video calls, create your own channels, groups and secret chats.

Viber

One of the most popular and competing messengers is Viber. In 2015, the number of registered users was 600 million. Viber can really be considered a worthy substitute for the legendary Skype, because the program has a conference mode for video calls. Many other famous instant messengers cannot boast of this "trick". Apart from user-friendly interface, Viber has a couple more features: a file transfer function and the ability to create public accounts for companies and brands, with the connection of bots and a CRM system. The good news for metropolitan users is that in October 2017 the operator WiFi networks in the Moscow metro allowed Viber users to communicate in the messenger without authorization.

- the most top messaging program, which is used in 109 countries around the world. To date, there are more than a billion registered subscribers in this network. In 2016, for privacy reasons, the developers of WhatsApp made end-to-end encryption that applies to all sent content: simple and group chats, photos, attachments, voice notes and calls. An important advantage of this program is the reservation of chats on Google Drive or iCloud. But there is also a significant disadvantage - the Web version for PC is possible only when interacting with the phone and provided that the phone is connected to the Internet.

- the most notorious and scandalous project Pavel Durov. This service initially gained popularity among business users because of its privacy and the ability to create secret chats. Then other interesting features appeared: the formation of groups of up to 5000 people, the creation of bots and public channels, which is very popular among various authors and music lovers. In Telegram, you can now chat with a specific person using the “@” symbol, delete and make changes to already sent messages, exchange gifs, memes and stickers. So while there are rumors of closure this service on the territory of Russia, it is gaining more and more momentum among young people and businessmen.

Facebook Messenger— this service is in the lead in 49 countries, including Australia, the USA and Canada. It is used by approximately 700 million people. In this messenger, you can immediately see which of your friends is online. Just like in other networks, here you can call, send photos, videos, stickers and create group chats. Now, to authorize Messenger, it is enough to specify only a mobile number, there is no need to have a Facebook page for this. Currently in the testing phase digital assistant Facebook M, located inside the Facebook Messenger program. The service is based on artificial intelligence, like Siri and Google Now.

WeChat- a fairly well-known Chinese invention. Number of users in this moment varies around 600 million. This messenger provides for sending text and audio messages, exchanging photos and video files. Among the unusual features, it is necessary to highlight auto-translation from foreign languages, a built-in photo editor, as well as Facebook integration. Well, that's not all. WeChat is an entire browser with a built-in app store. Users through this service can order food at home, make an appointment with the dentist, transfer money, pay for housing services and many other things.

— another notable service that has collected 100 million accounts. This application allows you to attach a photo you just took to a message, although this feature is already available on almost all instant messengers. But there is an important difference here: the sender sets the time during which the picture will be visible on the recipient's screen. After this time, the file will be deleted from the device, but will remain on the central server. Then this image can be viewed no more than once a day. In 2016, the company released glasses equipped with two cameras and LED indicators for recording short videos with further uploading to the network. The cost of this invention is $130.

Each of the messengers is unique, they all have different characteristics and tasks, all of them have their pros and cons. So, only you can decide which messenger is the best.

6.line

This chat, very popular in Japan, is used by 211 million people. It was originally intended for mobile phones with Android OS and iOS, then there was a version for BlackBerry, Nokia Asha and Windows phone. There is a version of Line for Windows and Mac OS computers. The "highlight" of the application is a built-in social network where you can blog and post comments.

5. Viber

The best creation of Israeli developers is used by 249 million users. PC application syncs contact list, messages and call log with mobile device"host" and allows you to make free calls to any device of other Viber users, regardless of the country of location.

Chinese mobile encrypted instant messaging service with 600 million users. Between April and July 2015, the number of WeChat users grew by 37%, according to the developer of the program, the telecommunications company Tencent. The system supports voice and text messages, allows you to share photo and video files and exchange contacts via Bluetooth.

The top three of the most popular messengers of 2015 is headed by a service integrated into the social Facebook network. This application, based on the open MQTT protocol, is used by 700 million users. By comparison, Skype, the Internet telephony service operated by Microsoft Corp., boasts only 300 million users. Released in 2011 mobile version for BlackBerry, iOS and Android platforms, and in 2012 a version of the messenger for PC appeared. In 2015, users of the service no longer need compulsory registration on Facebook. In order to enter the application, you need to provide a phone number.

Facebook Inc. paid $18 billion for WhatsApp, a cross-platform app that currently has over 800 million users. This is the best messenger presented in Russia. It has a standard messaging function, as well as the ability to create groups and share video, photo and audio files. The text can be either typed manually or dictated. The program is linked to phone number, not the user ID or nickname, and generates a list of contacts by scanning the owner's phone book for numbers registered in the system.

The most popular messenger in the world, developed by Chinese Tencent. Every month, 843 million people exchange secure messages using it. It has several interesting features, such as the built-in software store, real-time translation, capturing a small portion of the chat screen, or recording small video clips and sharing them with the other party.

Mobile applications have long replaced not only ordinary SMS messages, but also ordinary phone calls. Their popularity is growing every day, which means that there are more and more users. With the help of them, people can communicate with relatives, friends, colleagues, partners, clients, etc. in online mode. By 2018, more than 2 billion people will use messengers. And this is already 80% of smartphone owners ..

TOP 10 most popular instant messengers in the world

Now sending SMS messages is very expensive, and therefore many download and install applications on their smartphones, which are called instant messengers. And in order to send SMS, you only need the Internet, and now everyone has it in free access. That is why instant messengers are very popular now, and almost everyone has them installed. Here are the TOP 10 most popular instant messengers in the world:

Now more detailed information will be provided about each messenger.

1.whatsapp

It is one of the most popular instant messengers in many countries. In 2016, the number of users exceeded 1 billion. This application was developed in the USA and released in January 2010. It is believed that due to this application, the revenue mobile operators decreased significantly as people began to send all the necessary messages over the Internet for free.

2. Viber

Everyone has heard about this application. Even despite the fact that it appeared in December 2010, this did not affect its popularity in any way. In 2014, Viber took first place among the programs for the exchange of short messages in Russia. It has a very nice design, a huge amount free stickers. It allows you to make and receive calls over the Internet.

3. Facebook Messenger

Integrated with the messaging system on the main Facebook site. That is, if you are registered on this site, then in order to reply to someone's message, you do not need to turn on the computer and go to the site. It is enough to download Messenger and you can reply to a message from your smartphone at any time. About 50 million people download this app every month. For 2017 it is used by more than 1 billion users.

This application was created by Japanese developers and released in March 2011. This messenger is even available for PC. As of 2014, about 400 million people used the messenger. All basic functions are supported. You can receive and make voice and video calls. For a fee, you can buy stickers and other features.

5.WeChat

It is a Chinese design. Supports sending text and voice messages. You can send each other pictures, videos and other files. You can create a general chat with friends, colleagues. This application also has a built-in photo editor, automatic translation from leading languages and much more.

6.Telegram

Today it is the most secure messenger. This project was launched by Pavel Durov in 2013. It was positioned as the most reliable communication application. About 200 people can chat in a group chat. The application is synchronized with the number and therefore you do not need to register.

7 Skype

Despite being one of the oldest messengers, it remains popular to this day. Skype was founded in 2003. You can make voice and video calls and, of course, send and receive text messages. The function of simultaneous translation of live speech has been introduced. Up to 9 people can participate in group video calls at the same time.

8 Snapchat

Very popular with young people. Any message, video or photo that is sent to another user will self-destruct after a certain period of time that you yourself have specified. But this happens after the recipient has read the message. Also, this application has a built-in graphic editor that allows you to correct the image before sending it to another person.

9. Kakaotalk

This is a very fast and versatile application. With it, you can send and receive messages, photos, videos, as well as various voice recordings. Funny emoticons and stickers will help you communicate in a fun way and express your emotions. You can download and install it on your smartphone for free. The first version of this messenger was released on March 18, 2010. To date, the application is available in 20 languages.

Via this application you can send text messages and make calls completely free of charge. Installed on your smartphone or tablet, you will be able to make high-quality voice and video calls. You can also express your emotions with free stickers. At any time, it is very easy to find the message that you need.

That's all instant messengers, which are by far the most popular in the world. And every year their popularity only grows. And the developers are trying to improve them to make it even easier for users to communicate with family, friends, colleagues. Download, install instant messengers and stay in touch wherever you are.

Roskomnadzor filed in the Tagansky Court of Moscow demanding the immediate blocking of Telegram in Russia. Representatives of the messenger were supposed to provide the FSB with the keys to decode messages, however, the Telegram administration said that it was technically impossible to fulfill these requirements related to the dissemination of information. 13 April 2018, one of the most popular instant messengers stopped working.

Other famous messengers

ICQ is the most popular and demanded messenger of the late 90s - early 2000s. It's amazing how such an old messenger still attracts an audience. Thanks to regular large-scale updates and the introduction of new modern features, ICQ does not lose relevance. Here you have the option to call with video, create a group chat and read groups. However, everything is still done somehow inconveniently.

2. Slack

Messenger that replaces email and Skype in work correspondence. For corporate communication, Slack needs to register your company with the specified number of users and field of activity. Later, you have the opportunity to choose the domain where the company's chats will be located. Send invitations to all team members. Without them, it is impossible to be in the account. In addition, chats can be private. There is no Russian version.

3.Twitter

A social network that allows you to exchange messages publicly and for free. You can do this using the web interface, SMS (according to your carrier), instant messaging. Blog postings are called microblogging. This messenger, created by Jack Dorsey in 2006, has gained worldwide popularity. More than half of users sit on Twitter through mobile gadgets, and twitter.com has millions of unique visits per month.

4. TamTam

Messenger developed in Mail.ru with chats, groups and sending files. Pretty decent messenger, except for related unnecessary applications from Mail.ru. Of the minuses - linking to an account in Odnoklassniki. This is a long-obsolete social network, the users of which are people of the older generation. Actually, for this reason, TamTam is losing its relevance.

5. VKontakte

One of the largest social networks in Europe. The site is available in over 90 languages; especially popular among Russian-speaking users. Here you can send messages, create pages and communities, share photos, music, documents, play games. In 2017, the average daily audience was over 80 million visitors. Over 460 million registered users. Also in 2017, SimilarWeb recognized VKontakte as one of the most popular instant messengers in the world, where the social network was 7th in the ranking.

On May 16, 2017, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed a decree on updating the list of sanctions against a number of Russian companies, including social networks VKontakte and Odnoklassniki, Yandex company, electronic Post service Mail.ru and other services. Access to them has been completely restricted since June 1, 2017

Currently, there are many different instant messengers on the Internet for users to communicate with each other. Now the situation with these applications is much better than in the early 2000s. Then there was only "ICQ", and everyone with crazy persistence wanted to register in it. But now there are many social networks, mobile messengers, VOIP applications and other applications for communication, both voice and text. And then there is Skype, which, although it became buggy after the deal with Microsoft, still allows you to arrange entire video conferences. In general, there is no lack of means for communication. And we decided to bring to your attention the rating of instant messengers that citizens use Russian Federation and CIS countries. It should be noted right away that the picture turned out to be quite interesting.

No. 1 WhatsApp

The first place in the ranking of popular messengers is occupied by the WhatsApp application. It is not clear why the Russians love it so much, but at the moment it has about 22 million users. This is almost an absolute record. More only in "VKontakte". But this is no longer a messenger, but a social network. Whatsapp is a smartphone application that allows users to communicate without restrictions. Initially, this application was planned as a replacement for SMS in smartphones. All you needed was internet access. Everything else was provided free of charge. At first it was. The client base of the messenger grew before our eyes. Soon, the developers added the option to share images. And in latest versions The app already supports group video calls. In general, the messenger has become a kind of Skype. Only works better. There are special business accounts that allow you to communicate with customers on WhatsApp. They have many privileges, but messages are paid. Not everyone wants to connect one. And not everyone will approve of it. In general, there is something attractive in it. No wonder it takes first place in the rating of instant messengers.

No. 3. Telegram

The infamous "Telegram" has firmly occupied the third line of the rating. The brainchild of the disgraced creator of the VKontakte social network is gaining a client base in full swing. And he is not going to stop there. The number of people using this particular messenger is 7.3 million people. An excellent result for a relatively recent application. Telegram tops the ranking of secure messengers. After all, everyone remembers how Roskomnadzor demanded from Pavel Durov the keys to access users' correspondence, threatening to block the messenger. It didn't work to block him. They didn't get the keys either. As a result, the intelligence officers were upset, but they could not get access to the confidential data of users.

In its philosophy, Telegram is similar to a mixture of WhatsApp and VKontakte. The same communication options plus news feeds. Why not charm? That is why it is included in the rating of security messengers. And he occupies an honorable first place in it.

No. 4 Skype

The notorious "Skype", which was an excellent communication application before it fell into the hands of specialists from Microsoft. However, even before the fall, Skype had a pretty decent audience. It used to take the first place in the popularity rating of instant messengers in the world, and now it barely reaches the fourth place in Russia. Skype's current audience is 6 million users. Not a bad figure, but not a record. Initially, Skype was planned as an application exclusively for making video calls and voice communication. Over time, a messaging system appeared in it. And even later (already at the time of the dominance of Microsoft) stickers appeared. After the developer "Windows" acquired a successful project, the popularity of the messenger decreased somewhat, as it began to fail and slow down. There is nothing surprising in this, since Microsoft is famous for its ability to buy out a successful project and "kill" it completely. Remember the Nokia story. However, we will continue to consider the popularity rating of instant messengers in Russia.

#5 Facebook Messenger

Many readers will be surprised to learn that Western social network Facebook has its own messenger. Even more surprising will be the information that this project by Mark Zuckerberg ranks fifth in the rating of instant messengers in Russia with an audience of 1.8 million people. In fact, this messenger is just an addition to the social network. It allows you to communicate via text messages with your Facebook friends. There are no "goodies", as, for example, in "Viber", here there is not even close. Everything is spartan clear and dull. It is not clear where he has such an audience. But statistics are stubborn things. If there is such a mention, then we should write about it. Nevertheless, there is nothing to love "Facebook" for. Especially if we recall its inadequate checking for suspicious account activity or rumors about the data of many users who leaked to the Web for no reason. However, we will continue to consider the ratings of messengers in the Russian Federation.

No. 6. ICQ

The legendary "ICQ". Who would have thought that this messenger is still alive! And yet it is so. And it even ranks sixth in the ranking of instant messengers used in Russia. The audience of this messenger is not very large - only 693 thousand people. And it is used, for the most part, by all sorts of geeks and oldfags who want to nostalgic about the glorious old days. It was cool, who argues. But not to the same extent as to support an almost dead community and the messenger itself. However, there are messengers much "deader", so "ICQ" is still doing well. It is worth noting that ICQ is an application exclusively for sending text messages. Everything is like in the good old days. You will not find any new features like video calls and other relevant things there. But "ICQ" - the best place for those who want to have a good time. By the way, in the ranking of instant messengers in the world, the cult "ICQ" takes sixth place. So, there is still gunpowder in the flasks!

No. 7. Google Talk

The worldwide unpopular messenger, launched by Google for financial gain, occupies an "honorable" seventh place in the rating of Russian users' messengers. And really, why love this product? But not everyone thinks so. 508 thousand users believe that this messenger has something to love. Google Talk provides users with the ability to communicate via voice messages when using an Internet connection. But on this free options applications are ending. The interface of the messenger is poor and buggy. It is not entirely clear how people manage to love to communicate using this. It is worth noting that the developers themselves do not treat their offspring with due attention. Apparently, this is where all the problems come from. Google+ (a parody of Facebook) has already successfully ceased to exist. Probably exactly the same fate awaits this messenger. In any case, his prospects are rather vague. Don't get too attached to him.

No. 8. Mail.ru Agent

Here is the real dead. The audience of this messenger is only 505 thousand users, but at the start it was a very popular project. In the "Agent" were all and sundry. But his better times left in the past. This is largely the fault of the developer - Mail.ru Group. They stuffed such rubbish into the messenger that many users migrated to much more pleasant WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram. The audience of "Agent" somehow spread very quickly. It is not even clear who are those half a million users that are still using it? Whatever it was, but "Agent" is still alive. And it will remain so as long as users remain on Mail.ru, since this company has a habit of forcing the web version of the client to run in the browser. This is probably the reason for such an impressive number of users. Although it is doubtful that even half of them used the "Agent" for its intended purpose.

Conclusion

So, we examined the rating of instant messengers used by Runet users. What can be downloaded here? "Vatsap", "Viber" and "Telegram" are in the top used. It was predictable. A pleasant surprise was that the legendary "ICQ" is still alive. And it seemed completely unrealistic that "Agent" from Mail.ru has such a huge audience. Nothing else extraordinary was noticed during the review process. One has only to remind users that it is recommended to use only secure messengers.

The tests were carried out according to 68 criteria. Each of them received its own “weight” in the total score, which made it possible to form the most objective assessment. The results of the study will help the consumer to get a complete picture of the quality of applications and facilitate the process of choosing the right program.

FUNCTIONALITY

One of the most important consumer characteristics of any mobile application is functionality. In the case of instant messengers, there is a small segment of users who choose applications specifically for security reasons, but they are much smaller compared to ordinary users who are primarily focused on the functionality of programs. In this study, as in the previous ones, the corresponding group of test parameters (29 criteria) received the highest value - 32% of the final score.

The main task that the messenger is designed to solve is the user's exchange of messages with other participants in the conversation.

Correspondence

Roskachestvo assessed the possibility of correspondence according to the following criteria:

Ability to reply to a specific message within a single chat. Available in 73% of verified applications.
Forwarding messages(According to this criterion, the application must forward the message to another user with information about the author and the date the original was sent). The declared requirements were implemented in full only in 20% of the studied applications. Completely absent given function apps Kik, Wickr Me, Instagram, Snapchat and Discord.
File transfer. The maximum score was set if the application allows you to transfer documents (in this case, the addition is carried out from the application itself, and not through the file storage), audio and video files, as well as images. At the same time, it was checked that it was possible to send more than 10 graphic files at a time (in one message) and edit the graphic files before sending. Full compliance with the stated requirements was in 49% of the studied applications. Only the Instagram application received the lowest score (1 point), the rest had scores above 3 points.
Delivery status information. The essence of the criterion is to display the statuses "Delivered" and "Read" with an indication of the time for messages sent by the author. In 43% of the evaluated applications, this feature is fully implemented, in the WeChat and Snapchat applications it is completely absent.
Audio messages. Only the Hangouts, Kik, and Discord apps prevent them from being shared. The rest support this function, but do not allow either converting received audio messages to text (implemented in Agent Mail.ru and ICQ for Android), or speed up playback (implemented in WhatsApp, Signal, Threema, Wire, BiP, VKontakte, " Odnoklassniki and Instagram).
Sending geolocation. Implemented in 67% of messengers.
Stickers and animation. They are fully present in 55% of the studied applications, they are absent in Threema and Wickr Me.
Editing messages after sending. The function is available in 45% of messengers, but only 20% received the maximum score. It was set if editing messages was possible only within 48 hours after they were sent to the interlocutor, while indicating in the chat the fact of changing the message. Similarly, the evaluation was carried out according to the criterion "Deletion of messages" (for all participants). The best way this function is implemented in WhatsApp - the time for deletion is limited (you cannot delete the message after many days), there is a deletion mark, the message can be deleted for all chat users. You cannot delete any messages in the Google Hangouts app.
Group chats. According to this criterion, the application must have the ability to create and join chats with 3 or more participants, the ability to pin messages and manage the community. In addition, at startup, the chat should open in place of unread messages, and not the last received ones. In fact, the completeness of functionality is implemented only in Mail.ru products - ICQ, TamTam and Agent. Zero points were not received by any verified application.
Favorites or pinning a chat at the top of the list, as well as adding messages to favorites only available on WhatsApp, WeChat and Snapchat. Zero points were received by 21 applications out of 49.
Search by chat history implemented in 80% of messengers, not in Hangouts, Kik, imo, Instagram and Snapchat.

Audio and video calls

Since users are increasingly using Internet telephony instead of traditional calls, the Center for Digital Expertise of Roskachestvo has also evaluated the possibility of making audio and video calls.

Other criteria

In addition to the criteria listed above, the experts also evaluated the applications according to the following indicators:

The most functional applications (for Android and iOS): TamTam (4.51), ICQ (4.38) and Mail.ru Agent (4.38).

CONVENIENCE OF USE

In addition to the functionality of the application, the convenience of using it is also important. This group of criteria was evaluated by experts in seven parameters, the most important of which were "Ease and quality of navigation", "Assistance in the application" and "Adaptation for people with disabilities".

According to the results of the test, the maximum score was awarded viber apps, Messenger (Facebook), WeChat, Threema, Skype, iMessage and Instagram for iOS. Applications for Android did not reach the maximum score. Also high scores (4.5 out of 5) for WhatsApp and Wickr Me for iOS and WhatsApp, Hangouts, Threema and Skype for Android. Applications ICQ, Mail.ru Agent, SOMA and VIPole for iOS are not adapted for use by people with disabilities. Messengers for Android are, on average, better adapted than for iOS: the average score for Android is 3.2, for iOS – 2.9.

Most convenient applications for iOS - Messenger (Facebook) (4.85), Threema (4.85) and Skype (4.7). For Android - Threema (4.79), VKontakte (4.68) and Skype (4.64).

SECURITY

A very important group of criteria, especially when it comes to personal correspondence, is “Security”. The key criterion here was the use of end-to-end encryption by messengers. End-to-end encryption makes sure that only the sender and recipient have access to the original text of the message, while it is inaccessible even to the servers transmitting the data. Encryption and decryption take place on the user's end devices. This significantly increases the confidentiality of correspondence.

Daniil Chernov

Head of Solar appScreener at Rostelecom-Solar

– Encryption is the most reliable way to protect the confidentiality of correspondence. The question, as always, is how well it is implemented. First, the encryption algorithms used must be strong. Secondly, you need to be sure of the “honesty” of the encryption implementation, and this is already a matter of trust in the messenger vendor. Are there really no loopholes in the application that allow access to the contents of the conversation?

End-to-end encryption by default (for all chats) is used by Viber, WhatsApp, Signal, Threema, Wire, Zangi, SOMA, Wickr Me and VIPole. Some instant messengers have this option, but it is not used by default - for example, in Messenger (Facebook) and Skype (creation of secret chats is required). In ICQ messengers and Mail.ru Agent, end-to-end encryption is not applied to text chats, but is used for audio and video calls. As for iMessage (preinstalled on all iPhone application“Message”), then only messages in blue “clouds” are encrypted with end-to-end encryption - they are the ones that belong to the iMessage messenger. Messages in green "clouds" are ordinary SMS messages that are sent without any encryption.

In the other tested applications, end-to-end encryption is not implemented, which makes the correspondence significantly more vulnerable compared to the above-mentioned applications. In particular, the services themselves have encryption keys and hypothetically have access to correspondence data.

However, end-to-end encryption does not guarantee complete confidentiality and security, but only reduces risks. For example, the victim's device may have Trojans installed or third party applications, requesting redundant accesses and permissions. Push notifications with a demonstrated fragment of correspondence also carry a certain vulnerability. In order for them to work, iMessage, for example, sends encryption keys to the server that are needed to decrypt messages. In addition, most messengers allow you to create backups correspondence stored in cloud storage or locally on the device, which also creates additional sources of data leakage. Also, attackers can gain access to correspondence by reissuing a SIM card using a fictitious power of attorney. In this case, confirmation codes will be sent to a new SIM card, which will allow you to easily log into your account and even download your correspondence history (backup copy).

Therefore, it is extremely important to use two-factor authentication - in the case of instant messengers, login using a code from SMS and a password (code word). This will significantly complicate the work of attackers. This feature is implemented in WhatsApp, Signal, Odnoklassniki, Instagram, Snapchat, Discord and VIPole applications. The Messenger (Facebook), Hangouts, Skype, VKontakte and iMessage applications do not have the ability to enable / disable two-factor authentication, but this can be done in the web version or in a separate form (as is the case with iMessage). Other services do not have two-factor authentication.

The experts also checked the ability to set a password to enter an application or a specific chat, as well as support for access using biometric data (Touch ID/Face ID, etc.). The maximum score for the "Authentication" criterion was awarded to whatsapp apps(iOS only) and Signal.

In addition to determining whether end-to-end encryption was used for chats and calls, the applications were checked for transport layer encryption of all transmitted data. Experts using specialized software (Wireshark) captured all traffic sent by the application under test, and then analyzed it for unencrypted data. In messenger applications, all data is transmitted over encrypted channels.

Another important criterion is privacy settings. WhatsApp, iMessage (iOS 12) and Threema were the top scorers for apps that allow you to control the visibility of your phone number and profile photo (or not display them at all) to other users. The rest of the applications (except for ICQ, Zangi, Signal, BiP and Mail.ru Agent) allow you to do only one of the above. To ensure a greater degree of confidentiality, Roskachestvo recommends using these functionality, as well as disable the display of "online" / "offline" statuses and automatic uploading of received photos to the phone's public album.

Self-deleting text messages are implemented in Viber, Signal, Wire, BiP, Wickr Me, Snapchat and VIPole.

Screenshot protection or notifications are available for Viber, Wickr Me, Snapchat, Signal (Android only), Threema (Android only), and VIPole (Android only).

Applications were also checked for the absence malware(all received 5 points), the redundancy of requested permissions was assessed (excessive permissions were not identified), the possibility of deleting an account (implemented in 49% of applications) and the information content of legal documentation (the purposes of collecting personal data, their list, terms, etc. - indicated for all, except BiP; SOMA does not have a privacy policy).

Consent to the processing of personal data is requested in all applications, except for Zangi, while in 53% of instant messengers it is active (requires additional actions from the user, for example, setting a checkmark).

When testing, Roskachestvo did not take into account the attitude of developer companies to requests from authorities or law enforcement agencies to disclose user information, as well as the anonymity of instant messengers.

The most secure applications: for iOS - Wickr Me (4.73), Viber (4.57), WhatsApp (4.40) and Wire (4.31); for Android, Wickr Me (4.73), Viber (4.57), Threema (4.57), and Signal (4.35). At the same time, it is worth noting that messengers positioning themselves as private and made with an emphasis on security performed really well from this point of view: Signal, Threema, Wire, Wickr Me and VIPole applications have scores above 4 on this criterion.

What is the safest way to use messengers? Recommendations are given by experts of Roskachestvo.

Vladimir Zykov

Director of the Association of Professional Users of Social Networks and Messengers

Many began to transfer all communications and agreements to instant messengers, which is extremely unsafe to do. Most instant messengers allow you to edit and delete messages, which deprives you of the evidence base if you decide to remind the interlocutor of your agreements. It is better to give preference to those messengers that make it possible to hide your phone number in the privacy settings. In this case, if someone reposts your messages, others will not see your number. Consider these risks and set the appropriate privacy settings. Remember that anonymity in messengers is a myth. There are no absolutely secure messengers. Most of them have access to the camera, microphone, photos and contacts on the device, which in itself is not secure.

Ilya Loevsky

Deputy Head of Roskachestvo

Any methods of information exchange on the Web cannot be called secure or absolutely confidential, this must be taken into account. Correspondence and metadata can be accessed by both IT corporations and law enforcement agencies. If you want absolute privacy, communicate in person, but even here IT giants can eavesdrop on you to offer you targeted advertising.

PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY

In addition to functionality, ease of use and safety, Roskachestvo experts evaluated the performance and reliability mobile applications.

Resistance to external interruptions was determined (for example, you are typing a message and at that moment comes incoming call- part of the typed message should not disappear anywhere), the stability of the application, the correct operation of the application and the display of interface elements, the size of the application.

WeChat for Android has the largest amount of memory occupied by the application (over 300 MB). Threema, imo and VIPole for iOS and Threema and TamTam for Android weigh less than the rest (score - 5 out of 5, weight - less than 50 MB).

All applications showed correct and stable operation. However, when choosing the Chinese messenger WeChat, one should take into account the difficulties with registering in the service: it is necessary to verify the account with the participation of a user who already has WeChat installed, and he must satisfy a number of conditions.

Threema, imo, iMessage and VIPole applications for iOS received the maximum performance score (5 points), for Android - Threema and TamTam.

TOLERABILITY

The possibility of transferring chats to another device, the availability of a desktop / web version, a version for smart watch and other mobile operating system(iOS/Android). All the studied applications allow you to transfer correspondence to other devices, all messengers have a desktop / web version, except for Kik, Zangi, SOMA and Instagram. The latter has a web version, but it does not allow messaging. The smartwatch version is only available on Viber, Messenger (Facebook), WeChat for both platforms, iMessage for iOS, and Threema for Android.

APP INFORMATION

The attention of the experts was also information characteristics applications, such as the information content of the description, the absence of reviews in the description, screenshots and videos, compliance with the declared functionality, as well as other criteria. The potential user should be able to explore the functionality provided and see what the app looks like in screenshots and videos without having to install it. Also, the description should contain information only about the implemented functionality, contain a link to the privacy policy, and the application itself should be updated regularly. The TamTam messenger has the highest score for the "Application Information" criteria group (4.97 for iOS and 4.96 for Android).

FINDINGS

According to the totality of all criteria, the following are recognized as the best:

WhatsApp (4.50)
Viber (4.42)
Skype (4.18)

WhatsApp (4.41)
Viber (4.36)
Threema (4.28)

The study was conducted in accordance with the test methodology based on the preliminary national standard for comparative testing of mobile applications PNST 277-2018.

Thanks to the study of Roskachestvo, if necessary, select an application that supports certain functionality, the consumer has the opportunity to filter software products according to its availability and make a choice based on the rating compiled by the experts of the Center for Digital Expertise of Roskachestvo.