Signal Approaches 1-Million Download Mark as Users Look for WhatsApp Alternatives

About 8,10,000 users globally installed Signal on Sunday, nearly 18-fold compared with the download numbers on January 6.

By Reuters | Updated: 12 January 2021 11:54 IST

Signal Approaches 1-Million Download Mark as Users Look for WhatsApp Alternatives

To cope with the number of new users, Signal said on Sunday it had added more servers to handle traffic

Highlights

WhatsApp's new privacy terms reserve the right to share user data
Privacy advocates have questioned the move
WhatsAp saw a 7 percent decline in daily installs on Sunday

The number of new users installing messaging app Signal every day is on track to cross 1 million, putting it closer to levels seen by larger rival WhatsApp, following an update to the Facebook-owned app's privacy policy.

About 8,10,000 users globally installed Signal on Sunday, nearly 18-fold compared with the download numbers on Jan. 6, the day WhatsApp updated its privacy terms, according to data from research firm Apptopia.

WhatsApp's new privacy terms reserve the right to share user data, including location, and phone number, with its parent Facebook and units such as Instagram and Messenger.

WhatsApp Provides Clarification on Privacy Update Amid Public Criticism

Privacy advocates have questioned the move citing Facebook's track record in handling user data, with many suggesting users to migrate to platforms such as Telegram and Signal.

To cope with the number of new users, Signal said on Sunday it had added more servers to handle the traffic. Up until recently, the non-profit app was largely used by journalists and human rights activists looking for a more secure and encrypted mode of communication.

WhatsApp, which saw a 7 percent decline in daily installs on Sunday compared with Wednesday, was downloaded by nearly 1.2 million users on Jan. 10, according to Apptopia.

Signal Tops Charts on App Store, Google Play Thanks to WhatsApp Controversy

© Thomson Reuters 2020

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