But there’s one big difference: Signal is actually really private. You can text or make voice or video calls with friends, either one-on-one or in groups, and use emoji reactions or stickers just like in other apps.

Signal is a free, privacy-focused messaging and voice talk app you can use on Apple (Opens in a new tab) and Android (Opens in a new tab) smartphones, and via desktop. So, thinking about joining Signal? Bottom line: If you care about privacy, it’s a good idea. How to protect your privacy in a post-Roe America It’s only become more popular since then. That's a good thing: Signal first saw an increase in users in the spring of 2020 as people participating in anti-racist protests around the murder of George Floyd realized how closely law enforcement was surveilling them (Opens in a new tab) and asking companies to hand over user data (Opens in a new tab). In recent years, Signal has also been investing in more infrastructure and features (Opens in a new tab) to support its users. Known for its end-to-end encryption and independent structure as a non-profit organization run by a foundation - not a big tech company - Signal has previously been the communication method of choice for activists, people in the hacker community, and others concerned about privacy.

Now, the app is used by over 40 million people (Opens in a new tab). The secure messaging app Signal has been around for years but, in 2021, it saw a huge spike in users after a heightened awareness of the need for privacy.

Signal private messenger app