Signal

Signal is my choice for secure, encrypted messaging. It's free, open source and has grown in network effect. Let's dive in.

What is Signal?

Signal is a private messaging application, available for Android and iOS, and can be paired with desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux).

It has grown significantly, largely thanks to Elon Musk who tweeted it out to his followers in early 2021.

Signal's servers became so overwhelmed by this tweet that the entire platform stopped working for a day or two whilst they scrambled to get them back up online.

Key features

Key features of Signal include:

• End-to-end encryption: Ensures secure and private messaging.
• No ads or trackers: Committed to your privacy.
• Disappearing messages: A feature for communications you don't want to keep. Communications can be set to disappear after a certain time interval has passed.
• Voice and video calls: Can make audio and video calls.
• File sharing: Send files, GIFs, and stickers.
• New Features Roll Call: Signal periodically releases updates that include new features and quality improvements.
• Chat Folders: Organise your chats on Signal Android.

Whilst Signal requires a phone number to activate, you no longer need to give out your phone number in order for someone to contact you. You can opt to use a username instead. In group chats, your phone number stays private.

I like that Signal does not collect metadata, unlike other messengers such as WhatsApp. Signal was asked by a court in California to provide information on a specific Signal user, to which they had very little information on. You can read about it here.

Grand jury subpoena for Signal user data, Central District of California (again!)

Signal still knows nothing about you, but inexplicably the government continues to ask.

Signal Messenger

What I don't like

I have a couple of criticisms.

I wish they would integrate bitcoin/lightning into the application. Instead they've created and integrated MobileCoin. Not ideal.

I also wish there was a way to use Signal without using a phone number at all. They say this is to prevent spam and abuse.

I'm also wary of what I'd use in the event that Signal did become nefarious. There's not many family friendly alternatives that would be a suitable replacement.

How I use Signal

I have managed to convert my direct family over to using Signal. We have a Family group chat. We do video and voice calls using Signal all the time. We've stopped communicating over SMS or WhatsApp. Signal has become our primary method of contact.

I also use Signal to keep in contact with friends from mostly Bitcoin social circles. It's become my preferred method of contact.

Molly - Fork of Signal

There is a fork of Signal for Android users, called Molly. The key differences are listed on the front page of the website, which I've screenshot below. These extra features might be of interest to you.

Conclusion

I would encourage the use of Signal as the primary method of communication with your family and friends. It's better overall than any other messaging service out there in terms of features, security, privacy, ease of use, OS compatibility etc.