The download of Signal and Telegram privacy messaging apps has gained momentum as users are looking for alternatives to Facebook-managed WhatsApp due to concerns about changes to the privacy policy of the service.
Signal saw an estimated 7.5 million installations worldwide via the Apple App Store and Google Play store between Jan 6 and Jan 10, according to Sensor Tower. That’s 43 times more than last week. It is the highest week or monthly Signal input number in app history.
Meanwhile Telegram has seen 5.6 million downloads worldwide from Wednesday to Sunday, according to Apptopia.
WhatsApp’s Privacy Policy Change
Signal claims to have “state-of-the-art encryption end-to-end” as part of its service, which prevents messages from being read by non-recipients.
The increase in downloads for the two apps comes after WhatsApp released an update to its privacy policy on Jan 4. Since 2016, WhatsApp has shared certain details with Facebook. But users have previously had the opportunity to opt out of this.
But from February 8, users will be sent to the app to accept updated terms in order to continue using WhatsApp. European and UK users will see a different message due to data protection laws in those authorities.
WhatsApp messages are encrypted, however, meaning Facebook will not be able to see its content. But WhatsApp collects many other data that can be shared with its parent company.
This data includes account registration details such as your phone number, transaction data, service information, how to communicate with others, including businesses when using the service, and mobile device information.
In a statement on Monday, WhatsApp said the review did not affect the privacy of messages sent to friends and family. It clarified that the update will include “changes related to business messaging on WhatsApp, which are optional, and provide further clarification on how we collect and use data.”
WhatsApp says the data shared with Facebook is used to help improve infrastructure, promote security and security and improve resources by making suggestions or customizing features and content. This may include integration between branded products on Facebook and WhatsApp.
‘Use Signal’
Following the announcement, Tesla boss Elon Musk urged his Twitter followers last week to “use Signal.”
Signal reported last week that verification codes sent to users via text message to start using the app were delayed because of high demand. Signal said it added additional servers in order to handle the influx of new users.
“We continue to shatter traffic records and add capacity as more and more people come to terms with how much they dislike Facebook’s new terms,” Signal said in a tweet. “If you weren’t able to create a new group recently, please try again. New servers are ready to serve you.”
Despite the increase in Signal and Telegram downloads, WhatsApp has yet to see a decline, according to Adam Blacker, vice president of information at Apptopia.
“It’s too ingrained. My guess is there is a very small number of people who use WhatsApp daily that are recently deleting it,” Blacker told CNBC by email.
“Even those who download and use Signal or Telegram will continue to use WhatsApp as this is where most of their friends and family are. They may start talking to certain people on Signal but chat with their mother on WhatsApp. ”
