Signal the Private, Secure Alternative to WhatsApp

On the heels of the news that WhatsApp is drastically changing its privacy policy, opening up doors where before there were none, Signal is gaining traction as the best alternative to WhatsApp. Signal is not new, but you may not have heard of it before. Read on to learn all about this great WhatsApp alternative. 

What is Signal?

Signal is an open-source, peer-reviewed messaging app that is entirely funded by grants and donations. The app uses end-to-end encryption to provide private and secure conversations via calls and text messages. The app swears they cannot listen in, and neither can anyone else.

Notorious whistleblower and privacy advocate Edward Snowden was quoted as saying he uses Signal every day. The other testimonials on their website are equally impressive.

One of Signal's best features is that it uses your phone's data connection so you can share photos, videos, GIFs, files, voice messages, and texts for free without paying anything extra. The app also provides support for group conversations. Although video calls are limited to five people, for most users, that will be enough. 

The Signal app claims to be super easy to use that even your mom can figure it out. Another bonus is that they have versions for the desktop, so you aren't limited to just iPhone or Android devices. Being able to use it on all your platforms is priceless. They make it easy to download and install from the Play or App Stores. Setting up an account and linking your device is also very easy. 

What is WhatsApp?

WhatsApp has been the most widely used private and secure messaging app for a few years now. It is hugely popular overseas. Unfortunately, a couple of weeks ago, WhatsApp (now owned by Facebook) announced big changes coming to their privacy policy where if you do not agree to share your personal information with all other Facebook apps and programs, your WhatsApp account will be disabled. Those who care about privacy see the writing on the wall, and WhatsApp may no longer be a good option for them. 

The reason for WhatsApp's popularity is because it offered free, secure, end-to-end encryption for calls and messages. With this new change, everything is different. Those who value privacy and security may be wondering, with Facebook at the helm, just how private are their conversations now?

It may be time for a change, and the new kid on the block is Signal. 

Why Use Signal

In two words, privacy and security. The state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption is one of the biggest features if you are concerned about privacy and the changes coming to WhatsApp where your data and other personal information will be shared among other Facebook companies. 

Another big reason to use Signal is that it has no ads, no marketing to get in the way, and nobody can track your information or conversations regardless of where you are in the world.

The company is an independent, nonprofit so the app does not charge any fees. There is a version for any platform (Android, iOS, iPad, Windows, Mac, and Linux). 

Another significant benefit of Signal is that it is created by the open-source community that cares deeply about privacy and security. They have a well-stocked blog with dozens of articles to help you navigate the system and perform specific tasks within the app, and answer questions that users might have.

Want to know about all the tips and tricks of using Signal? Check out this recent article on Forbes. 

If you feel like it's time to trade in WhatsApp for a truly private and secure messaging app, give Signal a try.