The Signal post: Everything you need to know about the WhatsApp alternative first appeared at the online magazine Basic Thinking. You can start the day well every morning via our newsletter update.
Data protection and digital sovereignty play an important role for more and more people. The reason: geopolitical upheavals and the increasing market power of fewer technology groups-primarily from the USA. Software options are therefore more in demand than ever. Today in focus: the WhatsApp alternative signal.
The idea of foregoing Big Tech software products is not new. Because companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Apple and Facebook Group Meta not only have an enormous market power, but also use it-sometimes with contrary practices.
Many also have concerns that sensitive data in the hands of large corporations are not in good hands. After the take office of US President Donald Trump again, the topic is gaining in importance again, since the question is increasingly asking whether the United States is still a reliable partner for Europe.
Tech-COS such as Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Sundar Pichai (Google), Elon Musk (X) and Tim Cook (Apple) also seem to be shot in front of Trump. Critics therefore fear a closer interweaving of politics and business – possibly at the expense of user interests and data protection. Against this background, we present you: the WhatsApp alternative signal.
What is signal?
Signal is a messenger service that, admittedly, also comes from the USA. However, the platform consciously positions itself as a kind of anti-white app and thus decides itself against the common practices of US technology groups.
The origins of Signal go back to the start-up Open Whisper Systems, which was founded in 2013 by cryptographer Moxie Marlinspike. The first official version of the Signal app for iOS was published in July 2014. The company is now based on a double structure.
Corporate structure
In 2018, Marlinspike and WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton founded the non-profit signal foundation, which acts as the parent company of the Signal Messenger LLC. This in turn is responsible for app development. Acton is said to have invested around $ 50 million start-up capital in the foundation in protest against Meta’s data strategy.
These are said to be part of a staggered interest-free loan of $ 105 million with a term of 50 years. In addition to Moxie Marlinspike and Brian Acton, the security researcher Meredith Whitaker, who has been president of the board since September 2022, sits on the three -member board of the Signal Foundation.
Marlinspike also acted as managing director of Signal Messenger LLC for a long time. In January 2022 he announced his resignation. Brian Acton initially took over interim, then long -term.
philosophy
The philosophy of Signal: Communication via the app should be privately, safe and ad -free. The messenger is also completely open source. Specifically, the source code means that it is publicly visible. This enables independent security analyzes and is intended to create trust among users.
The company primarily relies on data protection as a central element. All content is subject to end-to-end encryption. This means that Signal itself cannot access user content. The so-called “Sealed Sender” principle also ensures that the sender remains anonymous.
The servers only save the telephone number, the access date and the time of the last login – all other metadata is left out. Users also have the option of automatically deleting messages after a specified period of time. Images can in turn be pixelated and IP addresses veiled.
How does the app work?
Functionally, signal no longer has to hide behind WhatsApp or other messengers. Because the app also offers individual and group chats, voice calls, video calls and encrypted status messages. Group chats can include up to 1,000 members. Video calls are possible with up to 40 participants.
As with other messenger services, messages can be provided with emojis, reactions and self-extinguishing timers on request. Signal deliberately does not offer real cloud synchronization for data protection reasons. A encrypted device-to-device system synchronizes content instead, for example on the desktop. There is no browser-based web app for reasons.
The signal app is free and available for Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS and Linux. Registration takes place exclusively by mobile phone number. The app then automatically recognizes which contacts already use signal.
Conclusion: Signal as an alternative to WhatsApp
Signal has a significantly smaller user base compared to WhatsApp. It is estimated that around 100 million people worldwide use the app. For comparison: WhatsApp has over two billion users. Due to the monopoly position of the meta messenger, signal has a hard time establishing itself.
Especially when other services such as WhatsApp or Telegram draw attention to themselves with negative headlines, the app regularly achieves significant user growth. Because: For many, Signal is the first choice in addition to Threema when it comes to data protection and confidential communication.
The app is also used international by numerous NGOs, whistleblowers and even government agencies. However, Signal is not a gimmick for nerds or activists, but an everyday messenger who can keep up with WhatsApp functionally and promises significantly more data protection – without user tracking and advertising.
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The Signal post: Everything you need to know about the WhatsApp alternative first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard Or subscribe to our update newsletter.
As a tech industry expert, I believe that Signal is a solid alternative to WhatsApp for those concerned about privacy and data security. Signal offers end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can access the content. This is a crucial feature in today’s digital age where data breaches and privacy violations are all too common.
Additionally, Signal is open-source, meaning that its code is transparent and can be reviewed by security experts for any potential vulnerabilities. This level of transparency is reassuring for users who want to know exactly how their data is being handled.
One potential downside of Signal is that it may not have as many features or users as WhatsApp, which could make it less convenient for some people. However, for those who prioritize privacy and security above all else, Signal is definitely worth considering as an alternative messaging app.
Overall, I would recommend Signal to anyone looking for a secure messaging platform that puts privacy first. With data security becoming an increasingly important issue, it’s crucial for users to be vigilant about protecting their personal information, and Signal offers a strong solution in this regard.
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