Two questions.
My family insist on using Whatsapp for the family chats. I have to keep a copy on a device just so I can communicate with them. I do so under protest, as I was always told it isn't secure. My brother has just said
"oh Whatsapp is encrypted, it's perfectly secure".
First, is it actually as encrypted and safe as my brother claims? That would solve everything.
Second, if it isn't, where can I get some proof that we should switch to Telegram or whatever? Proof which doesn't make me look like a raving loony?
Whatsapp is encrypted. The problem is the Metadata they want - i.e. your whole address book.
I do not agree to Facebook having my phone number, but if you use WA and have my number, they have it, too - even if I don't use WA myself.
If you can convince your family to switch, use Signal or Matrix.
Otherwise, use Shelter on your phone with a limited, WA-ony address book.
You can actually use it without giving it contacts permission, but you'll have to add people via short links, like
wa.me/(number).Good to know, thanks.