Following news of Facebook new privacy update, everyone is running to Signal app, the app that says “hello” to Privacy.
WhatsApp alerted users to a new privacy policy effective February 8, that expressly says that WhatsApp will share user data with its parent company Facebook. Users earlier had an opt-out option, which won’t be available now.
Downloads of Signal app have seen a 79% increase from India during the period January 1 to January 6 compared to December 26 to December 31, data from app analytics firm Sensor Tower showed.
What is making people leave WhatsApp?
Basically, this line:
“As part of the Facebook family of companies, WhatsApp receives information from, and shares information with, this family of companies,” the new privacy policy states. “We may use the information we receive from them, and they may use the information we share with them, to help operate, provide, improve, understand, customize, support, and market our Services and their offerings.”
It is that summary that has led to the concerns, and fears that people’s WhatsApp data might not be protected.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that we have anything to worry about though, but that doesn’t stop the mass exodus to the new app, Signal.
What is Signal App?
Signal is a cross-platform encrypted messaging service developed by the Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger available since 2014. It became major popular, thanks to this tweet from Elon Musk:
Use Signal
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 7, 2021
And just like that, millions are flocking to the otherwise barely known app.
Alternatives to WhatsApp?
Quite a few. There’s
- Telegram
- Viber
- Signal
Signal’s main function is that it can send text, video, audio and picture messages protected by end-to-end encryption, after verifying your phone number and letting you independently verify other Signal users’ identity. You can also use it to make voice and video calls, either one-to-one or with a group.
Perks of Signal
Beyond its encryption prowess, which is extremely impressive, Signal gives extended, onscreen privacy options, including app-specific locks, blank notification pop-ups, face-blurring anti-surveillance tools, and disappearing messages, according to CNET.
Signal has been around for a while, as stated earlier, but few people knew of it, let alone adopted it – but now, thanks to Mr. Musk, let’s hope they get the recognition they deserve.
Stay secure.
Z
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