Signal Messenger has previously been the communication method of choice for activists, people in the hacker community, and others concerned about privacy. This messenger is known for its end-to-end encryption and independent structure as a non-profit organization run by a foundation and not a big tech company.
The Signal Messenger is going mainstream app
Recently, Facebook-owned Whatsapp received some backlash as it began issuing a privacy update notification to users. This made it clear to the users that the user-data will be shared with Facebook. Ultimately, this led people to look elsewhere for a more secure app that respected the users’ privacy.
Launched in 2014, Signal Messenger has invested in a lot more infrastructure and features to support its users for the past 3 years. It became popular in spring as people participating in anti-racist protests around the killing of George Floyd. Talking about the rating of this messenger—Signal is rated the top app on the Apple App store as well as the Google Playstore.
What basically is Signal?
Focusing on privacy, Signal Messenger is a free, messaging, and voice talk app. It can be used on both Android as well as the Apple devices. Signal Messenger can also be accessed via the desktop. The users can register using their phone numbers and can text or make voice or video calls with friends, either one-on-one or in groups. Just like any other app, the users are free to use stickers and emojis. All that really matters in Signal is privacy which the users are keen on having.
Related: Top 5 Messenger Apps Supporting Multi-Device Support Feature
How secure is the Signal messenger?
Communications on the Signal Messenger are end-to-end encrypted—only the two people communicating will be able to see the content of the messages. The company will in no way be an obstacle to the users’ privacy as it will be unable to check the content of the communications.
The encryption protocol created by Signal is just the same one used by the other companies namely—WhatsApp and Skype. The company is even working on a way to decouple the phone number registration from using Signal Messenger by making encrypted contact servers. The users can set messages to disappear after certain customizable time frames. Plus, Signal Messenger collects virtually no data on its users.
Use Signal
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 7, 2021
