Signal is a messaging application that stands apart due to its staunch commitment to privacy and security. If you’re considering switching from WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, iMessage, or SMS, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the Signal app, understand its unique features, and make the transition seamlessly.
Understanding the Unique Nature of Signal
Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why Signal has become the preferred choice for privacy enthusiasts. Unlike traditional messaging apps, Signal is not owned by a large tech company but is developed by a non-profit foundation, funded solely by donations. This means the app’s primary goal isn’t to monetize your data but to provide a secure platform for your communications.
Signal offers a wide range of features such as individual and group messages, stickers, photos, file transfers, voice calls, and video calls. It enables group chats with up to 1,000 people and group calls with up to eight participants. And all you need to register is a phone number. It is available for Android, iPhone, iPad, and desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux).
The Uncompromising Privacy and Security of Signal
All communications on Signal, including one-to-one messages, group messages, file transfers, photos, voice calls, and video calls, are end-to-end encrypted. In simpler terms, only the people involved in the communication can access the content.
Unlike Facebook Messenger, which collects an extensive amount of user data, Signal collects next to nothing. Even if compelled by law to reveal user data, Signal could only disclose your account phone number, last login date, and account creation time. Your conversations and other data within the Signal app are stored locally on your device, ensuring no third-party access.
Signal also provides privacy features like self-destructing messages that disappear after a preset time, ensuring that your conversations remain transient and private. This feature sets Signal apart as it encrypts all communications by default.
The Popularity of Signal Explained
Signal’s popularity skyrocketed at the start of 2021 after endorsements from high-profile tech personalities like Elon Musk and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. But its appeal among privacy advocates isn’t new. Founded in 2013, it’s a highly respected app that has long been preferred by privacy-conscious users and activists, including Edward Snowden.
Signal’s rise in popularity was further fueled by WhatsApp’s controversial privacy policy update that entailed sharing more data with Facebook, prompting many users to seek a privacy-centric alternative.
Your Phone Number is Your Signal ID
Signal uses your phone number as your ID. It scans your contacts securely to identify which ones are also Signal users, making the transition from SMS to Signal incredibly smooth. If privacy concerns arise from sharing your phone number, consider signing up with a secondary number. However, if you’re seeking a chat solution that only uses usernames instead of phone numbers, Signal may not be your best option.
How to Get Started with Signal
Starting with Signal is a breeze. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Download the App: Download the official Signal app from the Apple App Store for iPhone and iPad or from Google Play for Android.
- Registration: Go through the setup process to give Signal your phone number. Access to contacts is optional, but recommended for a seamless experience.
- Initiate Conversations: From the app, you can start conversations. If a contact’s phone number is associated with a Signal account, you can contact them via Signal.
- Invite Others: Encourage your friends and family to download Signal. You will be notified when someone you know signs up for the platform, making it easy to connect.
- Install the Desktop App (optional): The Signal desktop app for Windows, Mac, or Linux syncs messages from your phone to your computer. It can be downloaded from the Signal Foundation website.
Signal’s commitment to privacy, security, and open-source principles makes it a compelling choice in the era of data monetization. Making the switch might just be the step towards better digital privacy that you’ve been seeking.
