From WhatsApp to Signal: Why are users making the switch?

What is Signal and How is it Different?

Signal is a messaging app similar toWhatsApp and Telegram. It was founded by Moxie Marlinspike, an expert in privacy and security, and Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp. Acton leftWhatsApp in 2017 due to disagreements over Facebook’s plans for advertising and data collection. In 2018, he donated $50 million to support Signal and co-founded the Signal Foundation, with the goal of creating a platform free from commercial interests that prioritizes privacy.

Signal’s primary distinction is its commitment to privacy. Unlike other apps that collect user data for revenue,Signal operates as a non-profit, funded solely by donations (Signal.org). This means there are no commercial interests, no sale of user data, and no advertisements.

Signal offers standard features like text messaging, group chats, voice calls, disappearing messages, and file sharing. It also uses end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you and the recipient can read messages—Signal itself cannot access them. Privacy experts like EdwardSnowden strongly recommend using Signal.

What is End-to-End Encryption?

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) encrypts messages on your device before they are sent, and only the recipient's device can decrypt them. This means no one, including the app provider, can read the messages.

Different messaging apps implement encryption in various ways:

• Signal: All communication is encrypted by default. Signal also does not collect metadata, meaning it does not track who you talk to or when, ensuring maximum privacy.
• WhatsApp: Uses end-to-end encryption similar to Signal, but collects metadata such as message frequency, contacts, and timestamps. This data is shared with parent company Meta, raising privacy concerns.
• Telegram: Messages are not always encrypted end-to-end. By default, Telegram only encrypts the connection between your device and its servers (client-server encryption), meaning Telegram could theoretically access your messages. However, its “Secret Chats” feature provides full encryption.
• iMessage: Offers end-to-end encryption, but if iCloud backup is enabled, Apple can access message backups, weakening security.

For a full comparison of secure messaging apps, check out this overview.

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Why is Signal Gaining Popularity?

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While there isn’t a single trigger for Signal’s rapid growth, several recent developments likely contributed:

Growing Demand for Privacy-Focused Solutions

Dutch users are increasingly aware of how tech companies use their data. Scandals like the 2018 Cambridge Analytica case, where millions of Facebook profiles were harvested for political advertising, have eroded trust in big tech.

Similarly, WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update, which required users to share certain data with Facebook (now Meta), sparked backlash. Many users sought alternatives like Signal and Telegram.

Signal presents a clear alternative: no ads, no data collection, and full transparency. The surge in Signal downloads since January suggests a strong demand for secure, privacy-first communication, aligning with broader digital privacy concerns.

Criticism of Meta’s Policies

Recent policy changes at Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, have fuelled user concerns. CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to stop fact-checking content raised questions about platform integrity. This has led users to seek safer, more reliable alternatives, similar to the migration from X (formerly Twitter) to Bluesky amid dissatisfaction with Elon Musk’s policy changes.

Are There Any Downsides to Signal?

While Signal offers significant privacy and security advantages, some drawbacks may deter users:

• Smaller User Base: Compared to WhatsApp, Signal has fewer users. This means you may need to switch between apps to stay connected with all your contacts. However, rapid user growth may speed up this transition.
• Different User Experience: Signal includes features like stickers, status updates (Signal Stories), and group chats, but with a different approach. For example, Stories are     optional and can be completely disabled. While this offers more control, some users may find it less engaging.
• Phone Number Requirement: Signal still requires a phone number for account setup. However, since last year, users can choose not to share their number and communicate via a username. This differs from Telegram, where you can create an account using only a username.
• Limited iOS Backup Options: Unlike Android, Signal does not support cloud backups for iPhones to avoid potential third-party access (such as Apple). Losing an iPhone means losing chat history. Although Signal is working on a solution, it is not yet available.

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The Bigger Impact of Signal: A Choice for the Future

Signal is more than just a messaging app, it represents a broader shift in digital communication and growing awareness around data privacy. Its rapid growth highlights an increasing demand for alternatives that give users control over their data without commercial exploitation.

Although Signal may not yet match WhatsApp or Telegram in terms features, it remains the top choice for those prioritising privacy and security. Whether it will ever surpass WhatsApp is uncertain, but its solid position among messaging apps is undeniable.

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Photography source: Shuttershock

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