Apple iMessage, FaceTime
http://www.apple.com/ios/messages/
Messaging, telephony, videophone and collaboration service for iOS and MacOS devices. Transfers messages encrypted thru Apple proxy servers. iMessage trasfers text, voice messages and files. FaceTime transfers video and voice. |
Terms of Service & Privacy Policy
Terms of service (version September 19, 2019): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/icloud/en/terms.html
Privacy Policy (version updated on December 31, 2019): https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/en-ww/
Evaluation (27th October 2020)
iMessage and FaceTime can be used without registering an Apple ID (and without agreeing to Terms of Use), if the service is activated on an iOS device with only the telephone number used as user identification
Service provider is located outside of Finnish Act for Privacy of Electronic Communications (Controller: Apple Ireland, Processor: Apple USA)
Provides multifactor authentication
Messaging and video/audio is end-to-end encrypted, keys are exchanged via Apple's proprietary global device directory. Apple is technically able to insert additional third-party encryption keys of required by law, but it is not mentioned in the description whether Apple does so. The enrcyption model itself can be considered safe. Attached files and photos are encrypted and saved into iCloud. The key and address are sent as an iMessage to recipient(s).
Login
Apple ID or a valid telephone SIM in an iPhone. Multifactor authentication can be used. iMessage and Facetime can be used without AppleID registration by using phone number as an user-id.
Support
Provider
Apple Inc., Ireland
Similar services
Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, WhatsApp