Five years ago today, on May 15, 2021, WhatsApp’s controversial new privacy policy came into effect. The update sparked global criticism and raised public awareness of the economic incentives behind data-driven online platforms. With users spending more time online, ever-growing volumes of data, and powerful new AI systems, the concerns raised back then are now even more justified than in 2021.
No reason to use whatsapp
I haven't liked WhatsApp for a long time now; I currently use Simplex, Telegram, and Oxchat.
Threema is quite good. One-time payment (even possible in bitcoin, https://shop.threema.ch/en)
No phone # needed as well.
This will be every hard as everyone around me use it. Family, colleagues, my Boss and possibly everyone in my contact.