Signal, launched in 2014 by Open Whisper System, is an open-source messaging app that allows users to send encrypted text messages and voice memos, and make video calls using the internet.
In recent privacy updates, WhatsApp has faced some questioning and mistrust of its users. Moreover, this has resulted in a boost in the popularity of the Signal app due to its privacy policies. We will discuss that further in detail.
Users can also send regular text messages to non-Signal contacts, but they will not be encrypted. The encryption based messaging app has over 10 million users and unlike WhatsApp, it doesn’t share your data with Facebook for ad targeting.
The app supports Linux, Mac, Windows, IOS, and Android operating systems. Its dev
Who Created Signal Private Messenger App?
The Signal messaging app was created by Moxie Marlinspike, an American cryptographer. He created the app in 2014 and released it initially. Moreover, Marlinspike founded the Signal Foundation with Brian Acton who had left WhatsApp in 2017.
How to use Signal Private Messenger App?
- Start by Registering with a valid cell phone number.
- Once registered, Signal replaces your regular SMS messenger.
- All your old messages and message history are imported, and Signal makes use of your default dialler contact list.
- When texting non-Signal users, your regular SMS plan applies.
What’s great about Signal Private Messenger App?
1. Unique end-to-end encryption
Messages sent to a Signal user can only be decrypted by the recipient(s). This eliminates the access of a third-party data overseer to your messages.
Similarly, all stored messages on Signal are also encrypted. This way even if someone got hold of the recipient’s phone, without the owner’s passcode, they cannot access the stored messages.
2. Open-Source
Being an open-source software application,The Signal messaging app has publicly released the source code. This means anyone can audit the source code.
Back in 2016, security researchers ran a full and independent audit of the Signal text app and found the app to be cryptographically secure.
3. Collects no user data
Unlike Whatsapp, Signal doesn’t store any information on you except your phone number, random keys, and profile information. The Signal app secures even your IP address and makes sure that it doesn’t get shared with third parties. As for information sharing, like any encryption-based service, Signal secure messaging can and will hand over any information that the government legally requests, but considering Signal doesn’t store much data on you, it’s the most privacy-friendly messaging app in the market.
4. High User Rating
The app is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on the Google Play Store and 4.8 on the App Store. Moreover, Signal app reviews had been posted by 6,21,000+ and 312k users on the Google Play Store and the App Store, respectively.
5. Free To Use
Signal Messaging App is entirely free to use for Android and iOs devices. The app charges no subscription fee or any price for messaging and its other features.
6. Desktop Support
The Signal secure message app can be downloaded on Desktop devices as well. Moreover, you can sync your smartphone app and desktop app to use it anywhere you want.
Signal, WhatsApp, or Telegram, Which one’s better?
Like most iOS and Android app users, you would think that since WhatsApp offers encrypted messaging services, all your information is privacy protected with this app.
If we consider the privacy of the user, WhatsApp’s new privacy policies have raised new concerns amongst the public. Now, there have been talks about Signal encryption and Telegram policies being better in terms of privacy of the user in comparison to WhatsApp. So, we are comparing these three apps and their user data requirements for your reference and we will also tell you why Signal messaging app security is comparatively better.
1. Information storage:
A closer look at WhatsApp’s privacy policy reveals that unlike Signal, WhatsApp stores a lot of information on you including:
- Usage and log information
- Device information
- Contact information
- Cookies
- Status updates (like when you were last online)
- Your location if you choose to share it.
2. Contact List Sharing
Even if you were not sharing the optional information such as your contact list, WhatsApp can collect your metadata using other people’s information, i.e., via your friend who’s shared his/her contact list.
3. Chat Backups
Another key concern with WhatsApp is that it backs up your data, by default. And, although, you could disable your backup, most users don’t. Hence, giving their chat history, to the Google or iCloud account, without realizing it.
Finally, as I mentioned earlier since Facebook owns WhatsApp, the data you share can be used for ad targeting. And, although you can opt-out of it, this little fact is worth noting.
Pros and Cons of Signal signal instant messaging App
Signal Message App has existed in the market since 2014. However, other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have been giving it a touch competition. The reason is its limitations of features. On one hand, the App is gaining popularity due to Signal messenger privacy policies, the app has still a long journey ahead in terms of funky features modern generations love.
Pros
- Free to Use
- Open Source App
- Supports Desktop Version
- Encrypted Voice Calls
- Signal Messenger Group Chat Support
- Supports Graphic attachments & sharing
- Signal End to End Encryption
Cons
- Limited fun features like stickers
- Needs a strong internet connection for smooth voice calls
- Supports limited attachment types
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a private messaging app for iPhone or Android, Signal is the best option out there. We chose to include a signal messaging app review, for several reasons that go beyond encrypted messaging. Unlike other encryption-based messenger apps, Signal instant messaging has always kept itself open-source and transparent, which means users can be sure of what information is Signal withholding. This becomes especially relevant in today’s time when data is the new oil, a billion-dollar industry that’s using user data with or without veiled consent.
Even the tech guru Elon Musk has shared a signal messenger review  on his Twitter account. After new updates from WhatsApp, Elon Musk tweeted and asked users to “Use Signal”.
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