In a significant update, Signal, the renowned end-to-end encrypted messenger, has introduced features to bolster user privacy by allowing individuals to keep their phone numbers private.
For nearly a decade, Signal has been celebrated for its commitment to secure digital communications, but using phone numbers has been a persistent point of criticism.
The latest features, currently in beta testing, allow users to use usernames instead, addressing concerns about the sensitivity of sharing phone numbers.
Elevating User Privacy:
Signal’s new features, collectively termed “phone number privacy,” offer a solution to a longstanding challenge. Meredith Whittaker, Signal’s president, emphasizes the app’s dedication to building a globally accessible communication platform with a strong emphasis on privacy.
The update allows users to set a unique username, making it possible to connect with others without revealing their phone numbers.
Three Key Changes:
Signal has implemented three fundamental changes to enhance user privacy:
- By default, phone numbers will no longer be visible in Signal profiles unless saved in the recipient’s address book.
- Users can now create and share a unique username or a QR code containing it as an alternative identifier.
- For high-risk users, a third feature allows the complete removal of discoverability, ensuring that only those with the username can connect, even if the phone number is known.
Implications for Privacy and Security:
These updates significantly improve the privacy landscape for Signal users, enabling communication with untrusted parties without exposing sensitive information. Journalists, for instance, can now share Signal usernames on social media for encrypted tips without divulging their phone numbers.
Activists can discreetly join groups without broadcasting personal numbers to unknown members.
Addressing Criticisms and Future Considerations:
While these changes mark a substantial improvement, Signal still requires users to share their phone numbers during registration, a point of contention for some privacy advocates. Whittaker acknowledges the necessity of this requirement to prevent spam accounts and facilitate the import of contacts from the user’s address book.
Although a complete abandonment of phone numbers as a registration mechanism needs to be added to Signal’s roadmap, Whittaker assures users that the new features represent a careful attempt to balance privacy concerns without compromising the app’s usability.
Expert Insights:
Matthew Green, a cryptography and computer science professor at Johns Hopkins University, acknowledges the significance of the update, noting that it caters to a broader user base. While recognizing the concerns of die-hard privacy advocates, Green emphasizes the positive impact on many of Signal’s users.
Signal’s commitment to addressing user concerns regarding phone number privacy marks a significant step forward.
Implementing unique usernames provides a more secure and flexible alternative for users, allowing them to maintain privacy without sacrificing the usability that has made Signal a popular choice for secure communication.
As the beta testing progresses, Signal users can anticipate a more private and customizable messaging experience in the coming weeks.
