Signal introduces new privacy features, including hiding phone numbers and creating a unique username. Users have control over who can find them and can customize their privacy settings for different types of communication on the platform.
Signal
is upping the
privacy
and security ante as it has announced a significant change to the
messaging platform
. Starting soon, Signal users will experience a notable shift in how their
phone numbers
are shared and accessed within the app.
Users' phone numbers will no longer be readily visible to everyone they interact with on Signal by default. Instead, only those individuals who have the user's phone number saved in their device's
contacts
will have access to it within Signal conversations.
Furthermore, Signal users now have the option to create a unique username, distinct from their phone number, to initiate conversations with others. This
username
serves as an alternative method of contact, offering greater control over personal information shared on the platform. Notably, the username feature does not replace the display name in chats and remains invisible to other users. You can also generate a QR code or link that directs people to your username, letting them quickly connect with you on Signal, said the company.
Do keep in mind that you will need your phone number to register on Signal.
In a blog post, Signal said that this will be an optional setting that allows users to limit who can find them by their phone number. By enabling this setting, users can prevent others from discovering their Signal account through phone number searches, unless the searcher possesses the user's exact unique username. This feature provides users with greater autonomy over their privacy preferences within the app.
While the default setting will hide phone numbers from individuals not saved in contacts, users retain the ability to adjust this setting based on their communication preferences.
The feature is currently in beta stage and once rolled out, users will notice that their phone numbers are no longer visible to Signal contacts who do not have them saved. This will be applicable to group chats, one-on-one messaging, and Signal calls, while users' profile names and photos remain visible.
Signal offers the option to make their phone numbers visible to all contacts or restrict visibility to those saved in contacts. These choices allow users to maintain control over their personal information and communication channels on the platform.
English (US) ·