What Is Signal? Is It Better Than WhatsApp?

There are many messenger and VoIP apps on the market right now, but not all of them make security a priority. The secure messaging app Signal prides itself on its data protection and high security. The platform has even been praised by the likes of Elon Musk, Edward Snowden, and Brian Acton (who was the co-founder of WhatsApp).

So, What is Signal?

Signal is a messenger application, much like Telegram and WhatsApp. You can use it to communicate easily with your peers/colleagues who may be in different countries or who may have different phones.

Signal uses end-to-end encryption. What does this mean? That means messages are encrypted on one device and can only be decrypted by the device the message is sent to–keeping your communications safe. For this reason, it has become popular by individuals requiring higher levels of privacy like activists. The app is also a nonprofit organization that’s run by a foundation, rather than a large tech company.

Signal is free-to-use and can be used on both your Apple and Android devices, as well as on your desktop. You just need a phone number to join and, once you’ve signed up, you can text and make voice/video calls both to individual people and groups. Group chats can be created on Signal, but they’re limited to 150 members.

What Other Privacy Features Does Signal Offer?

Signal has a disappearing message feature, meaning that users can select a timeframe for messages to disappear from 5 seconds to one week. The app also doesn’t collect data from its users. The only piece of information the company has of yours is the phone number given during signup, and they’re trying to find a way to eliminate the need for that as well.

Since Signal is a non-profit organization, it doesn’t have advertisements, so it has no reason to collect user data.

How Does Signal Compare to WhatsApp?

Signal and WhatsApp use the same end-to-end encryption technology. However, WhatsApp is owned by Facebook which collects plenty of user data. WhatsApp recently updated its privacy policy to include information on its data-sharing policies with the popular social media platform.

Another difference between Signal and WhatsApp, is that people who are sent an invitation to group chats must accept the invitation to join the group. On WhatsApp, anyone with your contact information can add you straight into a group. Users on Signal can’t see when you’re online either, unlike the Status feature on WhatsApp.

You also can’t backup your Signal chats to Google Drive or iCloud. You can only transfer data if you have the original device with all your Signal messages, pictures, and files. Otherwise, you’ll lose all your previous chats. You’ll also lose your Signal chat data if you previously cleared the data on your phone or changed your phone number.

Therefore, while WhatsApp has more customization features on its application, Signal has much better privacy.

How Can POND mobile Help?

Stay connected to all your messenger applications without Wi-Fi with POND mobile. POND mobile offers International Voice, SMS, and Data services in 210+ countries worldwide! Messenger apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram aren’t available in certain countries because of strict laws. With POND, you can bypass these restrictions without having to rely on an unstable and unsafe VPN, or public Wi-Fi which carries its own safety risks.

We’re also upfront about all costs and fees included in our plans. Information on both daily and monthly costs, data, and high-speed allowance are all listed, and taxes/VAT and fees are already included in our pricing. We also have some of the least restricted unlimited options available for those of you who live a fast-paced lifestyle and need access to high-speed internet at all times. With travel opening back up, it’s important for you to be able to stay connected to your work life and colleagues while you’re abroad.

POND mobile doesn’t collect or sell your personal data much like Signal, so your phone number will always be secure with us!