Why Choose Signal?- The WhatsApp Alternative
Many users are switching to Signal after WhatsApp has updated it’s privacy policy that goes with more of data sharing with Facebook. That’s the route many people are taking in 2021-Signal. The mass jump on Signal created a problem for the servers as they were unable to handle so much influx and the verification codes were delayed. Currently the application is at the top charts plus Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted ‘Use Signal’. The other famous endorsers of the application include- Edward Snowden and former WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton.
Let’s have a look at what actually is Signal.
What Is Signal?
Signal is a messaging application with end-to-end encryption and the tagline-’Say Hello to Privacy’ that has been around since 2014. It is available for iPhone, iPad, Android, Linux, and Mac. The application was developed by non-profit company- Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger LLC. It was created by Moxie Marlinspike, an American cryptographer. Signal Foundation was created by Marlinspike and WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton( who left WhatsApp back in 2017 and put around $50 million in funding Signal).
Various Features Of Signal
The application is free and allows its users to send images, make video and audio calls, videos, links, similar to all other messaging applications. Groups can also be created with a limit of 150 members.
The focus of the app is complete privacy with end-to-end encryption. It collects minimal data without compromising with various features.
On the creation of a group, members cannot be automatically added, they can only join by an invite link unlike WhatsApp where anyone can be added to any group by anyone.
It other features include replying individually to messages, sending emojis, delete option for messages. These are all the features WhatsApp has. It also has a disappearing messages feature where you can set time range of 5 seconds to one week.
Can Signal Be Used On Laptops and iPad?
Signal application can be used on a laptop or iPad by linking the account you have on your phone but the chat history will not be transferred after linking of your account. In case you use Signal on your iPhone and link it to Mac using QR code then your application will be synced to Mac but your previous conversations will not appear on your Mac as the message history is stored on individual devices.
Can your chats on Signal be backed up to iCloud or Google Drive?
Unlike WhatsApp this facility is not available in Signal. In case you lose your phone and set up Signal once again on any new device then all your previous chats would be gone. All the content such as- pictures, videos, audios, messages, and other data is stored locally on your device. The data can be transfered from your old phone to new but could not be retrieved if lost.
Privacy Features On Signal
Signal application has a number of privacy focused features. It has the option of ‘Relay Calls’ where your calls go through a Signal server and your IP address will not be revealed but it will reduce the call quality on the other hand.
You can turn on/off the read receipts and even the typing indicators to show when a message is being typed. There is no feature as online/offline status as in WhatsApp. It has a security pin feature for keeping your account safe. You can also turn off the link previews from the websites if you are sending them in messages.
It also has a screen lock feature- TouchId, FaceID, or your iOS device passcode. Incoming calls and message notifications will be answered even if the lock is enabled.
Data Signal Collects
The Signal’s privacy nutrition label reveals it only collects the ‘Contact info’ which is the mobile number used to create the account. It is designed in a way to never collect any sort of sensitive information. Other information such as profile name and profile picture is end-to-end encrypted.
Can Business Accounts Contact On Signal
Signal is for direct communication between people and does not have dedicated business accounts for enterprises like WhatsApp does. A business can only join Signal like a regular account.
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