There are a number of so-called messengers for the quick and uncomplicated exchange of messages. The best-known service in this area is probably WhatsApp. 

Using a messenger is simple and straightforward. Communication is more direct and faster than via email and has established itself in private and professional environments for exchanges between individuals or groups.

There are a few things to consider from a data protection perspective...

Basic ideas for using a messenger

A messenger is used for communication. One of the important questions here is what data is shared via the service. If project participants use their private accounts to communicate at a transnational project meeting, this is certainly less critical than if a company introduces a messenger and uses it to share data on individual employees, absences and illnesses. 

In addition to the content, IT security also plays a role. Regardless of the choice of messenger, the provider must transmit the messages between the participants via the Internet and, if necessary, at least cache them on the provider's servers. This offers the possibility of attacks on the transmitted data. The same applies when using messengers as when communicating by email: Really sensitive information should not be sent directly via a messenger. 

Source: Manuel Schäfer on Pixabay