to stay connected efficiently despite remote work and physical distance.
However, only a few consider how personal or sensitive data is stored and processed within these tools. Even when internal policies prohibit the use of certain messengers, these rules are often ignored. Employees frequently turn to their private smartphones when the app is blocked on their company device. Understandably so — the advantages of fast communication are obvious.
Determining which messengers are GDPR‑compliant — and which are not
WhatsApp is still not GDPR‑compliantdue to:
- Data transfer to Meta servers
- Automatic address book matching
- Lack of a legally compliant data processing agreement
Unsuitable for business use.
Telegram
Telegram is clearly not GDPR‑compliant:
- Servers outside the EU
- Unclear data protection practices
- Group chats not end‑to‑end encrypted
Signal
Signal is technically secure and privacy‑friendly, BUT:
- Server location in the USA
- No formal GDPR certification
Signal is Privacy‑friendly, but not fully GDPR‑compliant.
Threema / Threema Work
A highly reliable alternative:
- Servers in Switzerland
- End‑to‑end encryption
- GDPR‑compliant
- Business version Threema Work with extended features
Ginlo – a highly underrated option
Ginlo combines privacy and functionality:
- Servers in Germany
- GDPR‑compliant
- Sync across up to 10 devices
- Channels for customer communication
- Central user management
- Free app for private users
Customers can install the app for free and subscribe to company channels — ideal for internal and external communication.
Data protection & modern communication — a compatible combination
We help companies modernize their communication channels while meeting all data protection requirements. We analyze your needs and develop a tailored concept that is both technically robust and legally compliant.
We look forward to hearing from you!
