Signal

Signal is a privacy-focused messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption for secure communication. It allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share media and files, all while ensuring complete privacy. Signal uses the Signal Protocol, known for its robust security features, and stores minimal user data, ensuring that no metadata is collected. With a focus on anonymity and censorship resistance, Signal is widely used by those who prioritize data protection, including activists, journalists, and privacy-conscious individuals.

Signal

Written by
Lukas Bauer
Last Update
March 17, 2025

Signal

Tags:

  • Privacy-Focused
  • End-to-End Encryption
  • Messaging App

Title: What is Signal? The Gold Standard of Secure Messaging

1. What is Signal?

Signal is a privacy-focused messaging app that has gained widespread acclaim for its commitment to secure communication. Designed by the nonprofit Signal Foundation, the app uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) powered by the open-source Signal Protocol, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access your messages.

Signal has become a favorite among privacy enthusiasts, journalists, and activists due to its transparency and advanced security features. Unlike other platforms, it collects minimal metadata and does not track user activity.

Key Features of Signal:

  • End-to-End Encryption: Protects all messages, calls, and media.
  • Minimal Metadata Collection: Only your phone number is required to use Signal, with no additional tracking.
  • Self-Destructing Messages: Set messages to disappear after a specified time.
  • Open Source: The app and its encryption protocol are openly available for review and improvement.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux.

2. How to Download Signal?

Signal is available across all major platforms and is free to download.

For Android Users

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your device.
  2. Search for "Signal Private Messenger" or visit their official website for a direct link.
  3. Download and install the app.
  4. Register using your phone number to get started..

For iOS Users

  • Visit the Apple App Store and search for "Signal Private Messenger".
  • Download the app and complete the installation process.
  • Register using your phone number to get started..

For Desktop Users

  • Navigate to the official Signal website at signal.org.
  • Download the desktop app compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  • Install and follow the instructions.

3. Why Choose Signal?

Best-in-Class Privacy

Signal sets the standard for privacy by using state-of-the-art encryption protocols and collecting no unnecessary user data. Unlike many other apps, Signal doesn’t store your messages or media on its servers.

Completely Free and Open Source

Signal is a nonprofit initiative supported by donations, ensuring that user interests are prioritized over profit motives. Its open-source nature allows experts to review and verify its security.

Enhanced Security Features

Signal offers features like disappearing messages, screen security (blocking screenshots), and sealed sender, which hides metadata such as the sender's identity.

No Ads or Tracking

Unlike many messaging platforms, Signal doesn’t serve ads or track user behavior. This ensures a distraction-free and ethical communication experience.

4. How to Get Started with Signal

Step 1: Download and Install Signal

Choose your platform (mobile or desktop) and download the app from the respective app store or the Signal website.

Step 2: Register with Your Phone Number

Signal requires a phone number for verification. This is the only personal data it collects, and it’s not tied to your identity in any other way.

Step 3: Start Adding Contacts

You can sync Signal with your phone’s contact list to find other Signal users or manually add contacts by entering their phone numbers.

Step 4: Explore Privacy Settings

  • Enable disappearing messages for chats where confidentiality is key.
  • Activate screen security to block screenshots.
  • Use Signal’s built-in PIN to secure your account.

Step 5: Start Secure Messaging

Enjoy encrypted chats, voice calls, video calls, and secure file sharing with your contacts.

5. How Does Signal Compare to Competitors?

vs. WhatsApp

While both apps offer end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp collects metadata and is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), raising privacy concerns. Signal’s commitment to privacy is unmatched, with no metadata collection or third-party ownership.

vs. Telegram

Telegram offers cloud-based messaging and large group features, but its encryption is not enabled by default for standard chats. Signal provides always-on end-to-end encryption, making it more secure.

vs. Discord

Discord is a community-driven platform that focuses on gaming and group communication. However, it lacks the privacy and encryption features that Signal provides.

vs. Keet

Keet is decentralized and does not require phone numbers, while Signal depends on centralized servers for message delivery. Signal, however, offers a more polished and user-friendly experience with robust encryption.

6. Future of Signal and Its Role in Privacy Advocacy

Signal is more than just a messaging app—it’s a movement advocating for privacy rights in an increasingly monitored digital world. The Signal Foundation continues to innovate, with plans to enhance group communication, integrate new privacy tools, and expand its global user base.

Its dedication to open-source development and nonprofit operations ensures that Signal will remain a leader in secure communication for years to come.

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