Keep Factually independent
Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.
Fact check: What is the origin and history of the messaging app, Signal?
1. Summary of the results
Signal's history can be traced back to 2010 when it was founded by cryptographer Moxie Marlinspike and roboticist Stuart Anderson through their startup Whisper Systems [1] [2]. The app initially existed as two separate applications: TextSecure for encrypted messaging and RedPhone for secure voice calls [1]. After being acquired by Twitter in 2011 [3], the project continued development under Open Whisper Systems, eventually merging into what we now know as Signal [2].
A crucial turning point came in 2018 when WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton provided $50 million in funding to establish the Signal Foundation [1] [2]. As of January 2022, Signal had approximately 40 million monthly active users and over 105 million downloads [3].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
Several important aspects of Signal's development and operation weren't addressed in the original question:
- Technical Infrastructure: Signal uses its own open-source Signal Protocol for encryption, which is enabled by default for all communications [4]. The app operates on the "Zero-Knowledge Principle," meaning the operator has no access to user data [1].
- Security Endorsements: Signal has received notable endorsements from privacy advocates, including Edward Snowden, and is considered one of the most secure messaging apps available by security experts [5] [4].
- Organizational Structure: Signal operates as an independent non-profit messaging service, supported by grants and donations [4], which distinguishes it from many commercial messaging platforms.
- Global Impact: Signal has seen increased adoption during significant social events, such as the George Floyd protests, and in regions with strong concerns about government surveillance, like Hong Kong [1].
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original question's neutral framing doesn't contain misinformation, but it's important to understand the context of competing interests:
- Commercial Interests: As a non-profit organization supported by donations [4], Signal's business model contrasts with profit-driven messaging platforms, potentially affecting how its history and development are portrayed by different sources.
- Privacy Advocacy: Signal's strong emphasis on privacy and security [5] positions it as an alternative to mainstream messaging apps, which might influence how its history is presented in different contexts.
- Technological Evolution: The app's development from separate tools (TextSecure and RedPhone) to a unified platform [2] shows a more complex evolution than might be assumed from a simple origin story.