Signal has been making a lot of noise lately, as the encrypted messaging app has seen its download numbers increase due to the fact that offers greater security and privacy in communications than other platforms alternatives.
The first thing you need to know is what Signal is, and then you will see how this application works, which personalities like Elon Musk have recommended due to its concern for privacy. In these times, protecting privacy is something that interests more and more people, and that is the reason why this application is becoming more and more popular.
This does not mean that other applications such as WhatsApp or Telegram are not safe, but it does imply that Signal has a plus in terms of protection of the data, and which also does not collect user data.
What is Signal
Signal is an instant messaging application, which seeks to offer greater privacy than its competitors, protecting the communications you make as much as possible and not collecting data. It is an application similar to Telegram and WhatsApp, but it seeks to stand out from both in a different way.
Even though there are people who don’t know her, Signal is an application that is becoming more and more widespread, precisely because of this desire for privacy. In fact, according to its CEO, the application is ready to compete directly with WhatsApp or Telegram.
Besides, Signal prides itself on not sharing any data about its users with third parties, It does not offer any type of advertising, so using it is a totally intuitive, comfortable experience, and you will not find any type of advertisement.
A large number of personalities such as Jack Dorsey, Elon Musk or even Edward Snowden have claimed to use Signal on a daily basis, and this already says a lot about the messaging application, and It also has the positive point that it is available for Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows and Debian-based Linux distributions.
How to use Signal
Now that you know what Signal is, the question is: How do you use it? The answer is simple: It is used like any other messaging application. In fact, it even resembles Telegram and WhatsApp in aspects such as the menu. stickers.
Simply press the pen button when you open the app and search for the contact you want to talk to. Once you do, you’ll find a simple interface where you can write, send attachments, and send audio, photos, and other files using the chat shortcuts, just like in similar apps. You can also create groups of several people.
Within the conversation, highlights the possibility of making calls or video calls with your contacts, as well as the possibility of establishing a time range for the messages you send to disappear from among the following options:
- Idle
- 5 seconds
- 10 seconds
- 30 seconds
- 1 minute
- 5 minutes
- 30 minutes
- 1 hour
- 6 hours
- 12 hours
- 1 day
- 1 week
Signal also offers the option to send a message completely anonymously, which is very useful for sending confidential information without revealing who the sender is.
Also, in the application settings You can access a list of the devices you are logged in to, view and delete the storage space occupied by Signal data, prevent your contacts from taking screenshots of your conversation, and control some privacy settings, such as redirecting calls to the app’s server to avoid revealing your IP address.
The application has an extremely clean design, since the screen where the active chats will be is completely white, while, Within each of the chats, the minimalist aesthetic is maintained, but with touches of color in the header that you can choose and customize. depending on the contact you are talking to.
How Signal works
The interesting thing about Signal and what makes the app stand out is how it works behind closed doors. The first thing you need to know is that Your information is not shared with third parties, for advertising or any other purposes.
The only data Signal collects about you is your phone number, and that’s it. The application does not try at any time to create a profile associated with your identity, so you can be sure that all the app knows about you is a few digits. When you sign up for the app, in fact, you have to set up a PIN number to be able to access your information when you install the application on another device, which provides added security.
Conversations on the platform, by default, have end-to-end encryption, specifically one called Open Whispers Systems, which even WhatsApp uses in its chats. In addition, the source code of Signal on the different platforms is uploaded to Github, allowing anyone to access this code in search of errors and improvements.
In the settings screen, which you access by clicking on the small icon located at the top left of the chat screen, You can also find a section for donations, since Signal is an application that works through donations and grants, as well as with the collaboration of users.
According to their website, “Signal is an independent, non-profit organization. We are not affiliated with, and cannot be acquired by, any major technology company. Signal’s development is supported by grants and donations from privacy-minded people like you.”
Download Signal on your mobile
After having tested the application, I can say that, in addition to standing out for the multiple privacy options it has, It stands out for its minimalist and careful design, which makes the experience with the application very enjoyable.
One of the things that makes Signal easier to use is that The application is available for Android and iOS, but it also has a desktop client so that it can also be used in Windows, MacOS or Debian-based Linux distributions, so you can surely use it from all your devices.
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Tags: Privacy, Apps, Security, Technology