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Since Signal is a non-profit company it has no incentive to track user data. The company is funded by grants and private investors whose interest is to build a privacy-oriented platform. This free app collects virtually no data on its users. Signal uses standard cellular telephone numbers as identifiers, the only information you give the app is your phone number.

Once download the app user can start messaging people who are already using Signal, or you can tap “Invite Friends to Signal” if your contact doesn’t have the app yet. This creates an email or text message sent out to them with a link to download the app. 

Signal lets you message or call friends and family, either one-on-one or in groups. There are emoji, stickers and reacts available just like in other messaging app. Another notable fun feature is self-destructing messages, where user can set messages to disappear after certain customizable time frames for better privacy protection. Signal has created the encryption protocol which is the gold standard of privacy. Communications on Signal are strictly end-to-end encrypted, which means only the people in messages are the only people can see the content. Even group video calls (limited to five people) have been encrypted and sticker packs get their own special encryption as well.

Recently there has been some user complaint that Signal has deviated from its original mission by allowing third party advertising in the app which has now become a security concern. By adding an additional layer of script to monetize Signal opens up a serious security breach, which will eventually be exploited by hackers. In their opinion, it has gone downhill in terms of usability and security.