Signal app is doing rounds over the internet, since WhatsApp introduced it’s new privacy policy, which conceptualises our subconscious with something like this –

Last week, several WhatsApp users starting receiving notifications about the privacy policy, stating you have accept, or your account will be ceased starting February 8th, 2021.

Since then #BoycottWhatsApp has been trending with the Twitterati, even the richest man on the planet – Elon Musk tweeted –

Use Signal

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 7, 2021

What is SIGNAL?

As per Wikipedia, Signal is a cross-platform encrypted messaging service developed by the Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger. It uses the Internet to send one-to-one and group messages, which can include files, voice notes, images and videos. It is very similar to WhatsApp, with more safety features.

Below we answer some of the FAQ’s related to signal app.

Is SIGNAL app really safe?

Signal is by far the best when it comes to security, be it on the back-end or the user-facing side of the service. Signal uses the open-source Signal Protocol to implement end-to-end encryption. And just like WhatsApp, the E2E encryption covers all forms of communication on Signal.

Is it a free app?

Yes, absolutely. On top of that it is being managed by a non-profitable organisation.

HEAD-2-HEAD : WhatsApp vs. Signal

Is SIGNAL app really private?

Yes, much more private than WhatsApp. It does have the feature of disappearing messages – means your messages will disappear after a certain period of time, if you want so. Also, the app does not collect any private data. The only private information that the app collects is your phone number. Further, it is not necessary to use the signal app on the same device which contains the number you used on your registration at the app.

your phone number os just required to activate the app. Once activated, you can use the app on any device.

There are no "safe" jurisdictions anymore, only safe services. This is the entirety of what the DOJ's jurisdiction got them: pic.twitter.com/xnQ5tW58FD

— Signal (@signalapp) October 4, 2016

Well, the biggest reason to switch to Signal is that it is a non-profitable organisation, hence does not have any need to collect your private data, which is often used for research and marketing purposes.

Below is a tweet which describes the amount of data shared by a particular app –

You can make an app used by many millions of people that has no data…Cool chart by @forbes & @UKZak 🙈🙊🙉 https://t.co/gWFqyIeoZ3 pic.twitter.com/Unngddaq5M

— Signal (@signalapp) January 5, 2021

Is SIGNAL better than WHATSAPP?

In the question “What is the best team chat software?” Signal is ranked 2nd while WhatsApp is ranked 40th. The most important reason people chose Signal is: Signal uses an advanced end to end encryption protocol that provides privacy for every message every time.

How can I download SIGNAL?

You can find Signal in Apple’s App Store or in the Google Play store. It’s currently very easy to find since it’s sitting right at the top of the Free Apps chart. 

So, are you ready for this paradigm shift?

Please do let us know in comments below👇