[ad_1]
It took years, but Signal is finally ready to offer usernames, giving people a more private way to connect on the encrypted messaging app. Previously, Signal users had to expose their phone number — a rather sensitive piece of information— when trying to chat with others on the app. But soon, they will be able to exchange contact details through registered user handles instead. The user handles will also be shareable through QR codes and links.
(Credit: Signal)
In addition, Signal is removing phone numbers from all user profiles unless the number is already saved in your phone’s contacts. “New default: Your phone number will no longer be visible to everyone in Signal,” the app’s developers said in Tuesday’s announcement.To prevent strangers on Signal from potentially learning your phone number, the app is also adding an optional privacy setting that can block such details from leaking. “This means that unless people have your exact unique username, they won’t be able to start a conversation, or even know that you have a Signal account—even if they have your phone number,” Signal said.
(Credit: Signal)
Signal is starting to roll out the new features to beta users before making them available to all in the coming weeks. The changes fix a key weakness in Signal, which has long focused on user privacy through end-to-end encrypted messaging. Although Signal designed itself never to collect any sensitive data from the user, the app can still reveal your phone number to other users when participating in group chats. Signal’s developers have been working on the username feature since 2019. But the effort required a major architectural overhaul to keep the app’s encrypted messaging intact. Although Signal plans on rolling out the features to all users soon, for the changes to take effect, both the sender and the recipient will need to be running the latest version of app. The privacy features are also optional. “While we changed the default to hide your phone number from people who don’t have it saved in their phone’s contacts, you can change this setting,” Signal said. “You are not required to create a username and you have full control over whether you want people to be able to find you by your phone number or not.”
Recommended by Our Editors
The other limitation is that new users will still need to submit a phone number to open an account on Signal. The usernames also won’t function as a typical user handle. “They’re simply a quick way to connect without sharing a phone number,” Signal added. “Your profile name remains whatever you set it to. Your username is not displayed on your Profile Details page, and people you message can’t see or find your username without your sharing it.” Once the features roll out, users will be able to access the privacy functions by going to Settings > Privacy > Phone Number. Usernames can also be changed.
Like What You’re Reading?
Sign up for SecurityWatch newsletter for our top privacy and security stories delivered right to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
[ad_2]
