Over-the-top (OTT) communication services like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are subject to structured control, according to India’s telecom regulator. Law enforcement organisations and telecom providers expressed worries about security and spam control, which prompted this call.
Speaking on the second day of the India Mobile Congress 2024, Anil Kumar Lahoti, chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), said that although over-the-top (OTT) communication platforms have greatly benefitted businesses and consumers, legal concerns brought up by traditional telecom providers and law enforcement agencies indicate that these platforms ought to be governed by a formal regulatory framework, as per a media report.
Lahoti underlined that, given the cross-border nature of OTT services, regulators worldwide need to strike a balance between promoting innovation and upholding a just and competitive economy. This equilibrium is essential given the growing power of OTT platforms.
Challenges in Bringing OTT Communication Platforms Under Regulatory Umbrella
Sector analysts note that there have been challenges in reducing spam and online frauds on OTT platforms for both the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Trai. Since neither the DoT nor the Trai now have the power to take legal action against potential violators, this issue emphasises the jurisdictional challenges in regulating these platforms.
Instead, in accordance with the intermediate provisions of the IT Act, these platforms are governed by the Ministry of Electronics & IT. Telecom firms have expressed concern about the rise in spam on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. They contend that because OTT services are not governed by DoT or Trai, efforts to address these problems are still ineffective.
DoT Opposes Regulating Telegram and WhatsApp
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in contrast to Trai’s regulatory drive, stated in August of this year that it has no plans to control over-the-top (OTT) communication platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. This occurred while telecom companies persisted in advocating for the “same-service, same-rule” concept, contending that communication applications need to be subject to the same regulations as conventional telecom services.
Officials stated that over-the-top (OTT) services are exempt from the new Telecommunications Act of 2023. OTT communication platforms are being interpreted by operators as falling under the Act’s definition of “telecommunication,” yet this interpretation is still up for debate. OTT service providers, on the other hand, argue that they shouldn’t be subject to extra regulation because they are already covered by the IT Act.
Telecommunications Act 2023
“Telecommunication” is defined as the sending and receiving of messages via wire, radio, optical, or electromagnetic networks in the Telecommunications Act 2023. According to officials, in order for a service to be included in this definition, message transmission must occur through a switch that is not connected to the network.
However, with OTT platforms, messages are conveyed via data packets, and telecom firms handle the switching of these packets; customers are already charged for this service. Hence, authorities contend that OTT platforms do not satisfy the technical parameters for Act-mandated regulation.
Social media isn’t what it used to be, especially since we’ve become more aware of the privacy concerns of utilizing big sites. Whatsapp and Facebook, two of the most popular social networking apps, have regularly been in the news due to privacy concerns.
In the Cambridge Analytica incident, Facebook leaked data of roughly 87,000 users. Another 6.8 million users’ data was lost in September 2018 when a third-party app acquired access to using images. In response to this, the #DeleteFacebook movement, which had been developing steadily, exploded.
WhatsApp recently notified its users that it would be changing its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Users were given a deadline to either accept or stop using the app. Millions of people were thrown into a frenzy, with many jumping ships in search of an alternate platform. The true impact of WhatsApp’s T&C amendments on individuals has most certainly been exaggerated. Indeed, WhatsApp just requests permission to share data collected by the app with the rest of the Facebook family of apps. More crucially, no messages, groups, or call records include in this data.
However, How can you replace these services and stay in touch with friends and family in a world dominated by social media, particularly Facebook which now owns major social media sites like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram?
There are, thankfully many open-source, privacy-focused solutions available. While exploring them, alternatives were seen that were fit for use, interesting, and easy to assure friends and family to join.
By far, the most difficult social networking application to replace is Facebook. There isn’t a great substitute for this social media platform, but there are a few choices.
MeWe is yet another privacy-focused social networking platform. The site takes pride in the fact that it is free of adverts and does not manipulate user feeds. Users, on the other hand, have complete control over what they see. While it functions similarly to Facebook, it is a more secure option. MeWe functions similarly to Facebook, albeit in a more confined community, despite the fact that it is not open source. MeWe is accessible via a mobile application. It has a solid privacy policy, but it isn’t very popular.
Mastodon
Mastodon is by far the most popular of the federated social media platforms. It’s also completely free, simple to use, and concerned about user privacy and security. Mastodon resembles Twittermore than any other social media platform.
But it has a significantly larger word count and excellent control over who may read your postings (public, followers only, or unlisted). If you’re posting about sensitive topics, you can add content warnings to photographs or posts so that only people who choose to click the notice will see what you’re talking about. In addition, they refer to their posts as “toots” rather than “tweets” or “statuses.”
You also have a variety of options when it comes to joining Mastodon. Because, unlike Facebook or Twitter, you join an instance rather than a central website. Some are public, while others are private, some cater to specific interests or beliefs, and some people host their own. You can follow users on any instance, regardless of which one you join, so you don’t miss posts from your favorite individuals even if you switch instances.
It offers a facility that allows you to seek up your Twitter connections and follow them on Mastodon. It aids in the development of a following when joining a new site. Mastodon has proven to be a fantastic tool for interacting with friends and family, as well as networking and making new acquaintances, similar to Twitter.
Diaspora
Diaspora is founded on three core values: decentralization, freedom, and privacy. Instead of storing everyone’s data on a single server owned by a large corporation. Diaspora’s founders built a social network that disseminates this information and is owned by no one. Each user has the option of creating and hosting their own server, dubbed a ‘pod,’ or joining one of their friends and communicating within this ‘diaspora’.
Pinterest
Pinterestis particularly popular among consumers who exchange images of their home improvement, homemade objects, cooking recipes, and other interests. And gloating about a new garment isn’t exactly a sin, is it? As a result, Pinterest is more focused on “things” than Instagram, which is more focused on users.
Moreover, unlike Instagram, Pinterest allows you to share your material without the need for repeated social engagement. Pinterest, on the other hand, is not influenced by the corporate world. For example, an AR-powered option like “Try on” benefits both shoppers and e-stores.
PixelFed
PixelFed is another newcomer that is federated and as user-friendly as Instagram. You join through an instance and you can choose how you want to publish your photos and who can follow you, just like Mastodon. You may use Instagram on your PC or through your favorite mobile web browser, unlike Instagram, which is best seen through its own app.
PixelFed has a small user base, owing to the fact that it is still in development. However, inviting friends to join is simple, as it only takes a few clicks and they are in without having to download anything.
Snapchat
Snapchathas a simple user interface and a lot of features. The AI-powered Lenses are probably the app’s most amusing feature. You can alter your appearance to make yourself appear older or younger and do a lot more fun with unlimited filters on this platform.
After all, Facebook replicated several of Snapchat’s features and put them on Instagram to discourage users from leaving. There’s something for everyone, from Stories to disappearing texts, face filters, and more. So, if you want to use the actual Instagram, I strongly suggest using Snapchat. The good news is that Snapchat has lately revamped its efforts and introduced new tools such as Find Instagram Feed alternatives.
To summarise, Snapchat is not simply another social media app; it is one that, in a few years, may foreshadow the future of social media, especially, short video stories. If you want to experiment with new features, Snapchat is your got-to-go place.
Signal
Signal, which was first released in 2014, promises to use cutting-edge security and end-to-end encryption to ensure that your messages are never shared or accessed by anybody other than you and your intended recipients. Message history is likewise maintained on your smartphone, and only on your device. Furthermore, because the encryption software they use is open-source, it is susceptible to increased public scrutiny, forcing those in charge of the app to act quickly to address any security vulnerabilities.
Telegram
Your calls and messages are safeguarded with end-to-end encryption once the ‘Secret’ chat option is enabled, and Telegramcan no longer access the data. The talks you conduct in ‘Secret’ chats are only getting safe on the smartphones of the participants, rather than Telegram servers, as they are with Signal. Telegram, on the other hand, takes it a step further. It can only be used on that device. The chats used to be relinquished if a user log in to their account from a different device. If someone tries to capture a screenshot of your messages, you will be notified.
Wire
Wire is a secure messaging app with end-to-end encryption that is shielded by European data retention laws. It provides free personal accounts as well as paid business plans that include additional support and features. Wire boasts clear voice and video communications.
Wire supports both 1:1 and group screen sharing. It also allows you to share multimedia files and filter audio. You can log in to your account from up to eight synced devices, which are available for all major platforms. Within chats, you can format text with bold and italics, as well as create lists. You’ll also be able to optimize file sizes for easy sharing, as well as set timers to delete messages for extra privacy.
Tumblr
Tumblr is one of the oldest social media networks on the Internet, yet it lacks the popularity of Instagram or Facebook. It’s often mistaken for a microblogging site, but it’s much more. Photographs, GIFs, movies, and other sorts of media can now be shared. You may also search Tumblr using hashtags, and you can create a community with support for private chats. Tumblr is a specialized social networking site that, when used properly, may provide many users with a creative outlet.
The quantity of followers is crucial on practically every other social media platform. People like to brag about how many followers they have on social media. Tumblr, once again, is unique. It’s uncommon to come across a Tumblr blog that shows the number of followers it has. Tumblr users are more concerned with their interactions with other users, and the desire to form deeper bonds. As a result, you’ll need to adjust your attitude about participation in this situation.
Social media is a useful tool, no doubt about that. But the one caveat with most social media apps is that they track you, sell your data and make money from the user content. Well, that’s why there are new social media apps coming up each day that offers users a better privacy experience and make use of blockchain technology.
FAQs
What happened in the Cambridge Analytica incident?
In the Cambridge Analytica incident, Facebook leaked data of roughly 87,000 users.
How is Mastodon different from Twitter & Facebook?
Unlike Facebook or Twitter, in Mastodon, you join an instance rather than a central website. Some are public, while others are private.
What can we do using AI-powered Lenses in Snapchat?
The AI-powered Lenses are probably the app’s most amusing feature. You can alter your appearance to make yourself appear older or younger and do a lot more fun with unlimited filters on this platform.
Which are privacy-focused social media platforms?
Some Privacy-focused social media platforms are MeWe, Tumblr, Snapchat, Signal, Telegram, etc.
How do privacy-focused messengers work?
The app has end-to-end encryption which protects your data from outside interference, including from the app developers themselves.
With the sudden increase in the popularity of social media, platforms of messaging and texting have also seen tremendous growth in the past couple of years. Search platforms are used primarily by teenagers and youngsters but also by elder people. Usage of messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook has become a part of our day-to-day routine. Most of the time, we don’t even think about what we are sending and the consequences we may have to face regarding it, and therefore it is very important to choose an application that is highly secure and trustable.
We share important information such as an address, account details, important locations, birth dates, personal or sensitive images and many more across this platform. It is very important for this data to be secure and not get into the hands of unwanted people. Every year, in fact, every month, we come across a piece of news wherein an individual is blackmailed or harassed over the content which they have sent across messaging platforms that are not secured. Cyber security cells appoint a special department to look after such crimes and events. Still, it is an individual’s duty to make sure that they use an application that is secure and safe and keeps their data out of the hands of exploiters.
A secure message is one that is end-to-end encrypted, which means that the message is only visible and accessible to sender and receiver, and no third party can be involved. Therefore, an application that runs on end-to-end encryption is considered to be secure.
Privacy is in short supply these days. Hence, the majority of the messaging apps have shifted their primary focuses towards providing users with an enhanced level of privacy protection. So, if you are looking for added privacy every time you interact with someone through your home, here are the top 20 privacy-focused messaging apps to use in 2021.
Signal
Signal private messenger | Secure Messaging App
Signal is considered to be one of the most secure and safe messaging applications in the market as it runs on and to end encryption. It has its privacy-preserving technology always enabled. There is no secret tracking, affiliate marketing or advertisement in signal as it is an open-source project supported by donations and grants. The company doesn’t keep the key to decryption, and therefore no one can decrypt the message which has been sent from sender to receiver.
Uses phone’s data connection to void SMS and MSS fees
Group chat
View-once media
Self-destructing messages after a given time frame
Open-Source Protocol
Wire
Wire messaging app | Secure Messaging App
Wire is one of the most secure and safe applications that one can use as it also has always enabled and to end encryption inorder to protect your images, files, documents and messages. Wire does not allow third-parties to interfere with its codes or messages, although users can verify, inspect and improve the source code through GitHub as the wire is a 100% open-source platform. This messaging platform is compliant with most data protection laws across the world.
Features of Wire messaging application:
File sharing
Group Chats
Timed conversations
Conferencing
100% open source
Threema
Threema messaging app | Secure Messaging App
Threema is a private messaging application, and its servers permanently delete a message after it has been received in order to ensure no data is being misused. Nobody except the intended person on this messaging platform can eavesdrop on the private messages. Users can independently verify the encryption as Threema Is a 100% open-source platform. This is one such platform where you do not have to submit your contact details or even email address in order to sign up, which is an extra sigh of relief for the users. Threema is not a free application, and it costs about $2.99.
Features of Threema messaging application:
Hide confidential chats and use passwords to protect it
Verify contacts through QR code
Develop distribution lists
Create polls
Chat anonymously
Telegram
Telegram app | Secure Messaging App
Telegram is one of the most popular messaging platforms for highly encrypted conversation. Telegram has end-to-end encryption for chats, images, files and documents and even voice calls and video calls. For extra security, telegram has a self-destruct option for its messages as well as a secret chat option which one can enable from settings. Telegram is a free messaging platform, and it has no advertisements running over it. A key feature that many users find amazing is that there is no limit oversize of media and chats.
Features of Telegram messaging application:
Messages can be destroyed with a timer
Send documents of any type
Distributed servers are spread globally for security and speed
Open API and protocol
No limits on the size of media and chats
Ability to coordinate groups of up to 200,000 members
Whatsapp is one of the most famous and most used applications worldwide. It is highly trusted among most people, and it was one of the first applications to add end-to-end encryption in its software. This is the only application that notifies users when end-to-end encryption is not being used during a conversation. However, even if cybercriminals were to hike into the WhatsApp platform, they would find nothing as Whatsapp does not store any data in its servers, and it does not even keep the key to decryption of the messages.
Whatsapp is one such app that is used by youngsters and elders, and it is considered to be entirely trusted and safe as it is one of the oldest among all the messaging applications. This is a free to use application and has no ads over it.
Features of Whatsapp messaging application:
Built-in camera
Document sharing
Ability to share messages, photos, and videos with up to 256 people at once
Free video calls using the phone’s Internet.
These were some of the most popular and secure messaging applications available in the market. There are several other applications that a user can look into and give it a try, such as Viber, Wickr me, Silence, iMessage and Line. This messaging application’s platform runs on end-to-end encryption and provides several unique features as well.
Element is both a secure messenger and a team collaboration app ideal for group chats while remote working. The element uses end-to-end encryption for better safety.
Wickr me
Wickr me messaging app | Secure Messaging App
Wickr me is one such app that can be used anonymously and is highly secure and safe.
Features of Wickr me messaging application:
Create Teams and Networks to mirror your company organization
Secure screen and location sharing and online status
Tox
Tox messaging app | Secure Messaging App
Tox is an open-source messaging app that includes video calling and has been making waves with promises of never-before-seen security for messages and calls.
You can use this Cover me application to make encrypted voice calls without any records on your phone bill. The app also includes a private vault feature for extra security so you can store your files in and hide videos, photos, passwords, and any files.
Silence
Silence messaging app | Secure Messaging App
This application is a spin-off from Signal and used to be called “SMS Secure”.
Confide is an encrypted instant messaging application for most major operating systems. It was first released in 2013 on iOS and is known for its self-destructing messaging system that deletes messages immediately after reading.
iMessage
iMessage messaging app | Secure Messaging App
This application allows the user to control how long a message stays and how many times it can be viewed.
Features of iMessages messaging application:
Block phone numbers and contacts
Backup iMessages through iCloud
Tailor iMessage Settings
SureSpot
Surespot messaging app | Secure Messaging App
Surespot app doesn’t share any data about you and transfers your conversations securely to other devices. This guide can show how the app works and how you can protect all your mobile messages.
Line
Line messaging app | Secure Messaging App
Line application was created by a team of Japanese engineers for safe and secure communication.
Features of Line messaging application:
Letter Sealing
Over 10,000 Stickers of characters and celebrities
KakaoTalk
KakaoTalk messaging app | Secure Messaging App
Kakao Talk app makers boast that KakaoTalk is used by over 90% of smartphone users in South Korea, for which privacy and data security are the main concerns.
Dust
Dust messaging app | Secure Messaging App
Dust is a free application available for iOS and Android devices.
Features of Dust messaging application:
Packs in a privacy-watchdog feature
A stealth search tool for maintaining privacy while searching the web
Tor Chat
Tor Messenger | Secure Messaging App
Tor Messenger is a peer-to-peer instant messenger built on top of the Tor network that not only provides authentication and end-to-end encryption but also allows the communication parties to stay anonymous.
Pryvate Now
Pryvate Now | Secure Messaging App
Pryvate Now is also a free application that is available for iOS and other devices and is entirely secure.
Features of Pryvate Now messaging application:
Private voice and video calls
Secured conference calls, emails
Voxer
Voxer | Secure Messaging App
Voxer takes a more voice-oriented approach than most of these apps, letting users send voice messages similar to a walkie-talkie or push-to-talk device.
FAQs
What are the secure messaging app?
Some of the secure messaging app best for privacy are:
Signal
Wire
Threema
Telegram
Whatsapp
Element
Wickr me
Tox
Viber
Cover me
Silence
Confide
iMessage
SureSpot
Line
KakaoTalk
Dust
TorChat
Pryvate Now
Voxer
What are the Indian Messaging Apps aletrnatives for Whatsapp?
Some of the best Indian messaging apps as WhatsApp alternatives are:
Would you be willing to use a messenger app for free that provides you with different features, all that you need? With a simple minimalistic user-friendly design. Allowing you to connect with your friends, text them with Bitmoji, GIFs, a wide range of filters to choose from, emojis, stickers, fulfilling your wants to have a business account. The answer is obviously a yes, an all-in-one flexible app that does it all. But all the while having zero respect for your privacy, no etiquettes are followed, selling and collecting your personal data to target ads.
One application that emerged as a successful secure messaging app is Signal which applied distinctive marketing strategies to compete against the tech giants.
How is the Digital Tech World working in this era?
Artificial intelligence has worked wonders, but there lies a negative side to it, and you cannot ignore it anymore. The products, services we use for free are working against, what we think, and the tech world needs to dismantle the patterns that it has created.
Tools that were designed to work for us are now controlling us, leading to a destructive future with Artificial Intelligence that constantly bombards you with all the information that is not needed by you at the moment.
The Social Dilemma
The Netflix documentary that was released back in 2020 has given us insights into the horrific truth about the way social media platforms and algorithms work. One of the bone-chilling quotes by Hövermann is:
“If you’re not paying for the product, then you are the product” — Daniel Hövermann”
Now that people are more wide-awake, they prefer Ethics and Privacy over everything.
Use Signal: Elon Musk
The breakthrough was Elon Musk chimed in the conversation, suggesting the messenger app on Twitter. Musk’s tweet consisted of two words: Use Signal.
Elon Musk Tweet about Signal
And the app Signal boomed. People started downloading it; the Signal Advance Inc. stock rates went up as many confused it for the company which owns the Signal Messenger. A clarification came from Signal Advance Inc. later itself that it is not the company that owns Signal Messenger.
A quick look into the secure messaging app Signal which keeps all of your conversations private.
The messenger app was launched in 2014 by Signal Messenger LLC and Signal foundation.
You can manage group chats, texts, photos, videos, and voice messages via the messaging app.
The app is famous among journalists, officials, and people who love being private.
It’s available on Android, iOS, and desktop.
The end-to-end encryption feature does not allow even the company to read your messages. As the local backups can be enabled or turned off by default.
Comparison between Signal and other different apps
When Mark Zuckerberg’s vision of integrating these three Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp was happening. Comparisons started between Telegram and the Signal messenger app. Which one is better, with what features, when the question floated around other social media apps and started trending on Twitter.
The New Privacy Policy of WhatsApp
Not sure about the new Privacy policy about WhatsApp that came along with its update. Leaving its users with no option but to accept the new Privacy policy over which loomed questions and doubts also led to popularity of Signal.
How has the Signal messenger app integrated distinct marketing strategies?
Referral Traffic
Signal simply gave a solution to people who were looking for an alternative compared to other messenger apps with one promise. End of a data breach, complete privacy, and following the etiquette of ethics. Giving us a reason to share the app, making it go viral-coefficient.
Collaboration
Signal recently collaborated with other pages on Instagram, @plasticthing to shed light on its message while also reaching a wider range of audiences on the page of @plasticthing.
Plasticthing collaboration with Signal
Word of mouth
People talked on Twitter when WhatsApp was about to update its privacy policy. Sending it into a frenzy, the audience not only started comparing the features of WhatsApp to the Signal Messenger app, but also its other rivals. They engaged us and created a dialog among the people.
Influencer Marketing
Though it was not intentional to get Elon Musk to influence people, asking them to use the app. The app was successful in having its conversational rates go up. People who saw the tweet by Musk built a trust factor among the people.
Those who saw the tweet did go to the play store (for android users), searched the app under the influence, and downloaded it. Switching from the competitors‘ apps to Signal. They took advantage of the situation by marketing it.
Social media Marketing and Digital Marketing
An IGTV video of Taraji. P. Henson responded with the main key message:
“We know nothing”
Trying to interact with the audience on a more personal basis and establish that relativity factor.
In their posts describing how different apps works. Harvesting our personal data and targeting ads accordingly. Asking us to make the better choice that we do have the freedom to choose, break free from the apps that constantly keep us under surveillance. Not to endure the problem because it lays underneath invisible. Harvesting data and monetizing it.
Signal, is yet gaining popularity and competing directly with the tech giant apps, with people being more aware of problems arising related to their privacy. Signal has been effectively using the marketing mix strategies, nailing the question of:
“What does it mean to successfully market?
Connecting with the audience at the right place and time.
FAQ
Who is the founder of Signal?
Signal was founded by Moxie Marlinspike and Brian Acton in 2018.
How does Signal make money?
Signal being a non-profit organization makes money through donations.
What is Signal?
Signal is a free and open-source application founded by WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton. It provides users with privacy in messaging. It is an instant encrypted messaging app through which a user can send photos, videos, voice notes, etc.
In recent times, Signal has become the talk of the town after an issue was reported regarding WhatsApp data privacy. Moreover, nowadays hackers or many spurious acts have been carried out where, which happened due to data leakage. So it would be necessary for someone to hold data privacy at a high-security level before it gets in the wrong hands.
Phone calls, messengers, share videos or images and voice calls are highly personal between one party and the other parties. So, securing such data is a high risk as well as an integral role to protect an individual’s privacy.
Since February 2021, three major social media sites have been at stake- Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp after they failed to accord to the new rules and regulations of the Ministry of Electronics & information technology.
WhatsApp have been chastised for being counterfactual messenger apps, whereas WhatsApp proceeded a Controversial policy update as it is compulsory for a user to share data with Facebook when he/she is opening a WhatsApp business account. This issue engendered a deluded act on the side of WhatsApp. Eventually, people began to hype the launch of Signal.
Generally, Signal is a cross-platform centralized encrypted instant messaging service where it functions one-to-one or group chat and subsumes files sharing, voice notes, images and videos download etc. I know, people may wonder that Signal and WhatsApp have analogous features, but Signal has been given a recognized brand name in terms of protection of data privacy.
Signal was launched on 29th July 2014 by Signal Technology foundation and Signal Messenger LLC to secure all communications with end-to-end encryption. Signal is licensed to access in android, IOS, Linux, Mac and Desktop with an updated version of it.
An Interesting fact about the origin of the Signal is that it is a California-based app, a not-for-profit organization. So, obviously Signal is accessible worldwide, where any person from any distant place can endure the features of the Signal app. Currently Signal has surpassed 40 million users globally.
Main Products and Services of Signal
As is discussed above Signal app has been renowned for screen security. Apart from that, the app is ready to bestow top-notch features to feel safe while functioning.
The app has five privacy features such as an incognito keyboard, as you see when you are about to type something it will suggest you complete the sentence because the keyboard is functioned to save what you are typing. But on Signal, it doesn’t allow your keyboards to save.
Signal access the users to screen lock by setting fingerprints to lock. Besides, Signal also augmented the group invitation privacy mode, where you can invite as many people to the group, but joining in such a group is valid only if the person accepts the invitation or is willing to join.
Notably, Signal was launched such that even the Signal app itself or the government cannot access a person’s chat or personal data because the app is processed into end-to-end encryption.
Target Audience of Signal
Signal aims to capture social media users, business account users, or any individual who wants to protect their personal information from getting it deleterious.
Signal is a messaging platform that bestows end-to-end encryption, where the sender and receiver only know what is said and heard, neither the Signal app itself nor Government have the right to peek into someone’s personal data.
The app provides text messages, sharing, voice notes, images and videos download either among one-to-one or group chat. Recently, just like WhatsApp, the Signal also installed payments mode, where the users can transfer funds to the freinds and family via ‘MobileCoin’.
Payments on Signal
Besides, Signal earns money through donations, as the company is a non-profit organization. As of 2021, the Signal crossed more than 40 million active users, as many corporations are willing to make donations and can donate to the Signal Technology Foundation either in regular currencies or cryptocurrency.
Donations are the main form of revenue for Signal as it is owned by a non-profit foundation. It is a tax-exempt organization based in the United States. Signal also holds the privacy of the donors therefore the donors are unknown and the donation amount is also kept in the dark.
Due to the non-profit nature of the company, the company only focuses on the privacy of its users. Donations to Signal can be made in both regular currencies and cryptocurrencies.
The largest donation received by the foundation was in 2018 where WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton donated $50 million who acts as the executive chairman of the Signal Foundation currently.
Conclusion
Two words: “Use Signal” from Elon Musk made a sizable impact on the price of the shares of Signal. The app saw a major increase in the downloads. The application was also endorsed by the Black Lives Matter protest organizers during the summer protests.
Signal is mainly used by journalists and investigators to protect source identity. All this information only solidifies the trust of its users in the Signal application to guard their privacy as it is one of the only messaging applications that doesn’t collect identifiable information on its users. And because the foundation doesn’t focus on profit makes the application trustworthy in maintaining the privacy of its users.
FAQs
What is Signal?
Signal is a free and open-source application founded by WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton. It provides users with privacy in messaging. It is an instant encrypted messaging app through which a user can send photos, videos, voice notes, etc. without the worry of not having privacy.
Who is the developer of Signal?
Signal was developed by Signal Technology Foundation and Signal Messenger LLC headquartered in California and was released in July 2014.
How does Signal make money?
Signal being a non-profit organization makes money through donations.
Nitin Konde
