3
The TeleGuard messaging app is easy to explain: this free app for Android and iOS comes from Switzerland and promises secure, anonymous and straightforward communication.
TeleGuard – What this alternative messaging app from Switzerland can do
Following in the footsteps of Telegram, Signal and Threema, Switzerland has now launched TeleGuard – a messenger alternative to WhatsApp and Facebook. The app’s developers promise a high level of anonymity, free calls and generally improved security.
- Simply download the app for Android or iPhone and create a profile in TeleGuard. You’ll receive your personal TeleGuard ID, which you can use to add further contacts – all without having to register. You don’t need to provide a phone number.
- TeleGuard offers group chat features and channels. Channel creators must agree to the community guidelines. This is intended to prevent anti-constitutional content and cyberbullying.
- The app also enables voice calls, video calls and voice messages. The messenger is currently available in 26 different languages.
- Your privacy is protected to the fullest extent, as only servers in Switzerland are used. Switzerland is exempt from EU requests and is not required to disclose user data to the EU.
TeleGuard – all the benefits at a glance
According to its developers, the Swiss app TeleGuard offers many advantages over other messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook and even Telegram.
- TeleGuard supports all Android devices running OS version 6.0 or later, all iOS devices running iOS 12.0 or later, and Windows 8 or later. A web/desktop version is also available, currently for Windows 8 and later.
- This data-secure messenger from Swisscows is completely free of charge. Messages are encrypted using the SALSA 20 algorithm, which is considered particularly secure. Furthermore, no metadata or IP addresses are stored on Swiss servers.
- All servers for this GDPR-compliant app are located in Switzerland. Furthermore, no data is stored on the servers.
- You do not need a phone number. Simply add contacts and friends using your personal TeleGuard ID or your TeleGuard QR code. You will receive this once you have created your account.
- If you are dissatisfied with the app, you can simply uninstall it. There is no need to delete your account separately. Only a TeleGuard ID remains on the servers; no data is stored.
TeleGuard – an overview of all the drawbacks
Although TeleGuard promises many advantages over other apps, there are still some aspects that need improvement.
- TeleGuard’s biggest limitation is (for the moment) its reach. Whilst most of your friends will probably have WhatsApp and similar apps installed, many will not even have heard of TeleGuard.
- A web version is currently only available for Windows. Furthermore, the range of languages on offer is still limited.
- As the app is relatively new, its potential has not yet been fully realised and some features could be improved. Furthermore, there are comparatively few guides and tutorials on the various features.
- The app promises a high level of anonymity and data security. However, this also carries the risk of misuse, for example for fake profiles.
