BABYLON vs. Mainstream
How we compare to Telegram and WhatsApp on privacy, features, and transparency
| Feature | BABYLON | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|---|
Username-Based Privacy Communicate using usernames only, no phone numbers exposed | |||
No Phone Number Collection Your phone number is never stored or shared | |||
Optional Anonymity Use different pseudonyms in different groups | |||
End-to-End Encryption All messages encrypted before leaving your device | ~ | ||
Perfect Forward Secrecy Compromised keys don't expose past messages | ~ | ||
Open Source Code available for independent security audits | |||
No Tracking No analytics, no cookies, no fingerprinting | |||
DSGVO Compliant Full EU data protection compliance | |||
EU Data Centers All data stored in EU, subject to DSGVO | |||
No Backdoors No government access, no law enforcement backdoors | |||
Group Chats Create and manage group conversations | |||
Voice Messages Send and receive voice messages | |||
Media Sharing Share images, videos, and documents | |||
Message Reactions React to messages with emojis | |||
Message Pinning Pin important messages for easy reference | |||
Polls Create polls and surveys in groups | |||
Contact Isolation Group members not added to contacts automatically | |||
Granular Permissions Fine-grained control over group member permissions | ~ | ~ | |
Video Calls 1-on-1 and group video calling | |||
Desktop Client Native desktop application |
Fully supported
Not supported
Privacy Principles Comparison
BABYLON
- ✓ No phone number collection
- ✓ No tracking or analytics
- ✓ Open source (auditable)
- ✓ DSGVO compliant
- ✓ EU data centers only
- ✓ No backdoors
- ✓ Optional anonymity
Telegram
- ✓ Phone number required (but not exposed in groups)
- ✗ Closed source server
- ✗ Analytics and tracking
- ✗ Not DSGVO compliant
- ✗ Servers worldwide (including US)
- ✗ Government access possible
- ✓ Optional E2EE (secret chats)
- ✓ Phone number required (but not exposed in groups)
- ✓ E2EE by default
- ✗ Closed source (server & client)
- ✗ Owned by Meta (Facebook)
- ✗ Metadata collection
- ✗ Not DSGVO compliant
- ✗ Servers worldwide
Why Choose BABYLON?
Privacy First
Not a feature. Not an afterthought. Privacy is the foundation of everything we build.
Open Source
Code is available for independent security audits. No hidden backdoors or surveillance.
No Compromise
We don't sell your data. We don't track you. We don't build surveillance infrastructure.
EU Compliant
DSGVO compliant. EU data centers. Your rights are protected by law.
Username Privacy
Unique feature: communicate using usernames only. Phone numbers stay private.
Community Driven
Your feedback shapes our roadmap. Transparent development. No corporate agenda.