I have to use Whatsapp, unfortunately.
Are there any good alternatives to the default app on Android?
I'm worried about all the data it shares with Meta. I denied all permissions but this makes it less convenient, and the app probably still sends over the data that available without them.
Is there a gun to your head? If the answer is no, then you're not being forced to use it. And so you only think you have to use it, because it would be more inconvenient not to do so, but you can make that choice. I don't use it and never will. And I will simply tell people that if they ask.
Some/most places outside the USA heavily rely on WhatsApp for communication. This is like saying "you dont need to be able to talk with your friends, family, or employer"
Well if you're in a country that uses WhatsApp as a main communication platform, then either you use it too or you don't talk to your friends, family and more.
I have dropped friends, family, and more in order to use more private communications platforms. And if they ever do join those platforms, I will talk to them again.
What I find really annoying about this community, is that no matter what you do, for some people it just won't be good enough, and they will throw it in your face.