Signal — status

Signal is a non-profit technology company that provides a secure messaging application focused on user privacy. Its core mission is to protect free expression and enable secure global communication. Signal is best known for its end-to-end encryption, which is powered by the open-source Signal Protocol. This protocol is so well-regarded that it has been adopted by other major messaging platforms, including WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Unlike many tech companies, Signal's business model is not based on selling user data or advertising. The Signal Technology Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, develops and operates the app, relying entirely on donations from users and grants. This unique structure ensures that the app's focus remains on privacy rather than profit. Signal's philosophy is that privacy is not an optional feature but a default state for all communications. The app collects a minimal amount of user data, typically just the phone number required for registration. Key features of the Signal app include secure voice and video calls, disappearing messages that automatically delete after a set time, and the ability to send files and media. The platform also offers group chats with up to 1,000 members and supports an in-app cryptocurrency wallet in some regions. The entire codebase for the Signal client and server is open-source, allowing security experts and the public to audit the code to ensure its integrity and confirm that there are no backdoors or hidden vulnerabilities. This transparency is a cornerstone of the trust that users place in the app.