Signal: News

Signal is a cross-platform centralized encrypted instant messaging service just like WhatsApp, but with one key difference. While WhatsApp is a subsidiary of Facebook and clearly a for-profit company, Signal is overseen by the Signal Technology Foundation, a non-profit group. Like most modern messaging services, Signal allows users to send messages to individuals and groups. Messages can include text, files, voice notes, images, and videos. Functionality for making voice and video calls to individuals and groups has also been added. The software was initially released in 2014. It is free to download and use while being open-source. Interestingly, Signal Foundation was launched in February 2018 with a $50 million grant from WhatsApp co-founder and Stanford University alumnus Brian Acton. The other co-founder of Signal Foundation was computer security researcher Moxie Marlinspike. Signal is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is noteworthy that Signal can work on Android without relying on Google Play Services. Meanwhile, to set up Signal on Linux, one would still need an Android or iOS device.

10 Aug 2024

YouTube

Signal messaging app blocked in Russia and Venezuela: Here's why

Signal, a globally recognized encrypted messaging application, has been blocked in both Russia and Venezuela.

12 Jul 2024

Elon Musk

Signal users rejoice! Desktop app gets long-awaited security fix

Signal, a privacy-centric messaging app, has announced plans to bolster the security of its desktop client, by modifying how it stores plain text encryption keys for data storage.

27 Apr 2024

Amazon

FTC accuses Amazon executives of using Signal to destroy evidence

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US, has submitted a filing, accusing senior executives at Amazon of using the Signal app's disappearing messages facility to destroy evidence.

14 Mar 2024

Telegram

WhatsApp to block screenshots of profile pictures

WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out an update that will prevent users from taking screenshots of profile pictures.

04 Mar 2024

WhatsApp

WhatsApp to allow sending messages to Signal, Telegram users soon

WhatsApp is gearing up to introduce a chat interoperability feature, permitting users to send messages to other messaging apps like Signal and Telegram.

21 Feb 2024

Latest Tech News

Signal's new feature helps users keep phone numbers private

Signal, the popular encrypted messaging app, is gearing up to launch support for usernames in the coming weeks.

09 Nov 2023

WhatsApp

WhatsApp rival Signal working on improving user privacy: Here's how

Signal has started public testing a feature that allows users to create usernames, removing the need to exchange phone numbers to connect with others. The feature will launch in "early 2024."

18 Apr 2023

WhatsApp

Why are WhatsApp, Signal at odds with UK's new legislation

We know WhatsApp and Signal as rival messaging platforms. Now, they have joined forces with other messaging platforms to openly challenge a proposed UK legislation.

10 Mar 2023

WhatsApp

WhatsApp threatens to exit the UK over Online Safety Bill

WhatsApp's head, Will Cathcart, said the company will leave the UK if forced to weaken its encryption policies under the country's upcoming Online Safety Bill.

22 Sep 2022

Indian Government

Centre wants to intercept encrypted WhatsApp messages: What's the reason?

The days of true data encryption are possibly nearing their end in India. The Indian Government seeks to bring over-the-top (OTT) communication services such as WhatsApp and Signal under the purview of its new draft telecom bill.

19 Aug 2022

WhatsApp

WhatsApp's upcoming 'login approval' feature will keep hackers at bay

Earlier this month, we got to know that WhatsApp is working on a new security feature called 'login approval.'

20 Jun 2022

WhatsApp

Telegram Premium launched: Subscription price and new features explained

After announcing its premium service earlier this month, Telegram has finally rolled out the ad-free, paid version called 'Telegram Premium.'

10 Jun 2022

WhatsApp

Top features coming to WhatsApp in 2022

WhatsApp, the world's most popular instant messaging app, is constantly evolving to maintain its top spot in the competitive space. The company is always adding new features to enhance the user experience.

26 May 2022

Android

WhatsApp might offer an option to save temporary chats

WhatsApp, the world's most popular messaging app, is reportedly working on a feature that would allow users to save temporary chats that disappear after a week.

Signal isn't in compliance with IT Ministry rules, claim officials

Signal, the not-for-profit messaging service that shot to fame amid WhatsApp's privacy policy fiasco, is allegedly not in compliance with the Indian Government's new IT guidelines for social media intermediaries.

06 May 2021

Facebook

NewsBytes Briefing: Signal weaponizes Facebook ads against it, and more

In a brilliant move of lateral thinking, Signal showcased the real danger of Facebook's invasion of user privacy through, well, Facebook's targeted advertisements.

05 May 2021

Instagram

Signal exposes Facebook on Instagram, Facebook bans its ads

In another shocking incident that could tarnish Facebook's brand image, Signal displayed ads on Instagram illustrating how frighteningly intrusive the platform's data collection practices are to the target audience.

28 Jan 2021

Reddit

Wall Street short-sellers lose $5 billion to Redditors over GameStop

Short-selling video game retailer GameStop's stock has cost investors and hedge funds $5 billion in losses (once you apply some fancy financial calculations) in 2021.

25 Jan 2021

Delhi High Court

WhatsApp isn't mandatory, users can opt out: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court (HC) remarked that accepting WhatsApp's updated privacy policy isn't mandatory, and users have the choice of using a competing app if they don't like its Terms of Service (ToS).

24 Jan 2021

WhatsApp

Signal beta update adds new features targeted at ex-WhatsAppers

Signal's latest beta (5.3.1) release contains features designed to give the former WhatsApp users a reassuringly familiar experience.

19 Jan 2021

WhatsApp

India demands WhatsApp to withdraw new privacy policy

The Indian government has demanded WhatsApp to withdraw its updated privacy policy. It has deemed the messaging service's unilateral changes to be unfair and unacceptable while issuing the ultimatum.

19 Jan 2021

Facebook

Only 18 percent of surveyed Indians might continue using WhatsApp

In a recent survey conducted by social media platform LocalCircles, it was found that only 18 out of every 100 Indian users surveyed were willing to accept WhatsApp's updated policies and continue using the platform.

18 Jan 2021

Android

Signal users report encryption errors; Company claims chat security unaffected

Signal, the privacy-centric messaging service, spent long hours battling a global outage last weekend. The disruption is reported to have been caused by a high influx of new users.

12 Jan 2021

Facebook

WhatsApp highlights key points in a tweet busting recent rumors

In light of the recent hullabaloo surrounding WhatsApp's disregard for confidentiality of user data, users have flocked to alternative messaging services such as Signal, which reported a sharp increase in new user sign-ups.

10 Jan 2021

Facebook

WhatsApp claims Terms of Service change only affects business accounts

WhatsApp recently pushed a notification directing users to accept the revised Terms of Service by February 8.

08 Jan 2021

Facebook

Signal's user count surges after Musk recommends it over WhatsApp

Signal, the privacy-centric messaging service, took to Twitter to thank new users for their support. It also took the opportunity to apologize for delays in delivery of verification codes preventing registration for many new users.

05 Nov 2020

WhatsApp

WhatsApp introduces new disappearing messages feature: How to use it

WhatsApp is constantly evolving its platform with new features, enhancing the messaging experience for billions of its active users.

30 Dec 2019

WhatsApp

WhatsApp's Delete Message feature will work only on group chats

We know WhatsApp is working to introduce a new 'Delete Messages' feature (also referred to as Self-disappearing Messages) that automatically deletes/destructs the sent messages after a pre-determined time period.

04 Dec 2019

WhatsApp

WhatsApp's upcoming Dark Mode for Android gets new battery-saver option

WhatsApp has long been working on a new Dark Mode. And now, the feature seems to be getting some final changes before the launch.

27 Nov 2019

WhatsApp

WhatsApp will bring the 'self destructing' messages, really soon

By now, everyone knows that WhatsApp is working to introduce disappearing messages and dark mode on its platform, to enhance the messaging experience.

11 Nov 2019

WhatsApp

Leaving WhatsApp after hack? Other chat apps aren't secure either

The recent WhatsApp attack that compromised private chats of as many as 1,400 people, including Indian activists and journalists, has triggered a wave of departures.

13 Oct 2019

WhatsApp

WhatsApp's disappearing messages, dark-mode features: Here's how to use them

WhatsApp is constantly evolving its platform with new features and the latest ones to come to the messaging app are disappearing messages and the much-awaited dark mode.

27 May 2019

3D Printing

3D-printed gun makers are spreading anonymously on the internet

3D-printed guns have raised plenty of alarms, mainly because they can be created by anyone and are capable of firing standard handgun rounds.

04 Apr 2018

Honda

US: Indian family missing; authorities fear vehicle crashed into river

An Indian family of four was reported missing in the US state of California while on a road trip and authorities are fearing for the worst after an SUV matching their vehicle was believed to be swept away by a flood-swollen river, according to a media report.