WhatsApp alternative option Sandes app is now available for download. It has many features like other instant messaging apps. Many things in this app are similar to WhatsApp, so some features are also different.
As an alternative to WhatsApp and other instant messaging apps, the government has developed the Sandes app. It has been launched by the National Informatics Center (NIC). This new platform is an upgrade version of the existing Government Instant Messaging System (GIMS) which was developed to service government officials like WhatsApp.
Sandes app can be used by both government officials and ordinary users. It requires a mobile number or government email ID to sign up. Once signed up, users can send and receive messages and can also send multimedia. Like WhatsApp and other major instant messaging apps, Sandes has also been described as end-to-end encrypted.
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How to sign up for the Sandes app
you will initially have to download the Sandes app on your mobile through the government’s GIMS portal. Will be able to run on Android 5.0 and above. IOS users can download from the App Store.
Once downloaded, you can sign up on this app using your mobile number or email ID. The application will send you a six-digit OTP for authentication. Email IDs are limited to government IDs only. If you try to sign up from a Gmail, Hotmail or other email account, you will see a notice that emails from that domain are not in use. You have to sign up using your phone number only.
Sandes vs WhatsApp
There are many similarities and some differences between the government’s Sandes app and WhatsApp. The first major difference is the option to sign up using your email ID on the Sandes app. Philhal government officials can use email ID. This function is not on WhatsApp. A mobile number is required to sign up on WhatsApp. The Sandes app also supports a verified account for government employees. On the other hand WhatsApp does not.
Chat backups can be sent to email ID.
Sandes has the option to send chat backups on other things including email ID whereas in WhatsApp Android users can only backup their chats on Google Drive. While iPhone users can backup on iCloud.
Cannot change mobile number or email id
Sandes app also does not allow user to change their mobile number or email id after signing up. However, by deleting your account, you can create a new mobile number or email ID. In contrast, in WhatsApp you can easily transfer old phone numbers to new numbers without deleting the profile.