# Signal Blog Signal Blog This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## Introducing Automatic Key Verification DevFeed: [Introducing Automatic Key Verification]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2026-08-11T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Cryptography]() Tags: [communication](), [cryptography](), [encryption](), [feature](), [safety]() ### AI overview Signal introduces automatic key verification, a key-transparency-based feature that independently verifies the consistency of a contact's public encryption key alongside existing safety numbers. ### Source excerpt Signal now offers a feature called "automatic key verification" which complements the existing safety number system. Signal is always end-to-end encrypted, and automatic key verification provides an additional, streamlined way to confirm that there's no unexpected party between you and the other "end" of an end-to-end encrypted session. Read more... ## More linked devices are on the table (and the Android tablet) DevFeed: [More linked devices are on the table (and the Android tablet)]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2026-08-04T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Android](), [Large Screen](), [iOS](), [App](), [Open Source]() Tags: [android](), [devices](), [ios](), [iphone](), [open-source](), [support](), [sync](), [ux]() ### AI overview Signal's latest Android update adds support for linking another Android phone or Android tablet, keeping messages synchronized across devices. The article also describes interface improvements for tablets, foldable phones, and other large-screen devices, alongside expanded linked-device support for iOS and iPhone. ### Source excerpt The latest update for Signal Android introduces comprehensive support for linked devices. Now you can easily link another Android phone or Android tablet to your Signal account. Thanks to significant interface improvements to better support large devices, your messages will stay in sync across every screen and look good on all of them too. We're also expanding linked device support on iOS so you can link an iPhone to your Signal account in addition to our ongoing support for iPads. Signal Android v8.20 and Signal iOS v8.22 are rolling out now. Feel free to stop here if that's all you needed to know, but there's more info ahead if you want to kill some time while you wait for your freshly unboxed second (or third) device to finish charging. Read more... ## Signal Protocol and Post-Quantum Ratchets DevFeed: [Signal Protocol and Post-Quantum Ratchets]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2025-10-02T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Cryptography]() Tags: [attacks](), [cryptographic](), [encryption](), [messaging](), [open-source](), [post-quantum](), [quantum](), [quantum-computing](), [resilience](), [security]() ### AI overview Signal introduces the Sparse Post Quantum Ratchet (SPQR), which is combined with the existing Double Ratchet as the Triple Ratchet to provide quantum-safe forward secrecy and post-compromise security. ### Source excerpt We are excited to announce a significant advancement in the security of the Signal Protocol: the introduction of the Sparse Post Quantum Ratchet (SPQR). This new ratchet enhances the Signal Protocol's resilience against future quantum computing threats while maintaining our existing security guarantees of forward secrecy and post-compromise security. Read more... ## Introducing Signal Secure Backups DevFeed: [Introducing Signal Secure Backups]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2025-09-08T00:00:00Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Security](), [Android](), [zero-knowledge](), [iOS](), [data]() Tags: [android](), [ios](), [privacy](), [release](), [security](), [storage](), [zero-knowledge]() ### AI overview Signal is introducing opt-in Secure Backups, initially in the latest Android beta, to let users restore encrypted message history after losing or damaging a phone. The feature is planned for iOS and Desktop, with free text-message and limited media backups plus a paid plan for extended media history. ### Source excerpt In the past, if you broke or lost your phone, your Signal message history was gone. This has been a challenge for people whose most important conversations happen on Signal. Think family photos, sweet messages, important documents, or anything else you don't want to lose forever. This explains why the most common feature request has been backups; a way for people to get Signal messages back even if their phone is lost or damaged. After careful design and development, we are now starting to roll out secure backups, an opt-in feature. This first phase is available in the latest beta release for Android. This will let us further test this feature in a limited setting, before it rolls out to iOS and Desktop in the near future. Read more... ## By Default, Signal Doesn't Recall DevFeed: [By Default, Signal Doesn't Recall]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2025-05-21T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Security](), [Windows](), [Microsoft](), [App](), [Usability]() Tags: [apps](), [microsoft](), [security](), [usability](), [windows](), [windows-11]() ### AI overview Signal Desktop enables its Screen security setting by default on Windows 11 to prevent Microsoft Recall and other screenshot applications from capturing Signal chats. The protection uses a DRM flag, but it prevents screenshots and introduces usability trade-offs. ### Source excerpt Signal Desktop now includes support for a new "Screen security" setting that is designed to help prevent your own computer from capturing screenshots of your Signal chats on Windows. This setting is automatically enabled by default in Signal Desktop on Windows 11. If you're wondering why we're only implementing this on Windows right now, it's because the purpose of this setting is to protect your Signal messages from Microsoft Recall. Read more... ## A Synchronized Start for Linked Devices DevFeed: [A Synchronized Start for Linked Devices]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2025-01-27T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [End-to-End Encryption](), [Android](), [iOS](), [Encryption](), [App](), [data](), [Large Screen]() Tags: [android](), [app](), [communication](), [devices](), [encryption](), [feature](), [ios](), [media](), [privacy](), [production](), [releases](), [video]() ### AI overview Signal describes synchronized message and media transfer for linked Desktop and iPad devices. The feature preserves end-to-end encryption and privacy while allowing users to transfer chats and the last 45 days of media to a new linked device. ### Source excerpt With Signal on Desktop and iPad, you can link your primary Android or iOS account with another device, letting you check and respond to messages in both places or conduct video meetings and calls from the comfort of a bigger screen. Signal's upcoming beta releases will also introduce the option to transfer your messages and media when you link your primary Signal device to a new Desktop or iPad. Instead of starting fresh, and having only new messages show up, you can choose to bring your chats and your last 45 days of media with you. Or, you can choose not to. Read more... ## Proxy Please: Help People Connect to Signal DevFeed: [Proxy Please: Help People Connect to Signal]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2024-08-09T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [TLS (Transport Layer Security)](), [Android](), [iOS](), [Network](), [Encryption](), [Server]() Tags: [android](), [ios](), [network](), [privacy](), [server](), [tls]() ### AI overview Signal describes its built-in censorship circumvention feature and TLS proxy support for helping people communicate when Signal is blocked. The proxy works on Android and iOS, and volunteers can deploy proxy servers for others to use. ### Source excerpt Several countries have recently blocked Signal, leaving their residents without a trusted and safe place to communicate. To help in this situation, Signal provides a built-in censorship circumvention feature and also includes support for a simple TLS proxy that can bypass these blocks in many circumstances and let people communicate privately. Read more... ## Keep your phone number private with Signal usernames DevFeed: [Keep your phone number private with Signal usernames]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2024-02-20T00:00:00Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [App]() Tags: [app](), [chat](), [communication](), [features](), [optional](), [privacy]() ### AI overview Signal is introducing privacy features that hide phone numbers from people who do not already have them saved, allow users to initiate contact with optional usernames, and let users control whether they can be found by phone number. The features are initially in beta and require the latest app version. ### Source excerpt Signal's mission and sole focus is private communication. For years, Signal has kept your messages private, your profile information (like your name and profile photo) private, your contacts private, and your groups private - among much else. Now we're taking that one step further, by making your phone number on Signal more private. Here's how: Read more... ## Privacy is Priceless, but Signal is Expensive DevFeed: [Privacy is Priceless, but Signal is Expensive]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2023-11-16T00:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Messaging](), [End-to-End Encryption](), [Encryption](), [Protocol (disambiguation)](), [Cryptography](), [Open Source](), [App](), [JSON Web Tokens](), [Google]() Tags: [code](), [communication](), [cryptographic](), [dark-patterns](), [encryption](), [free](), [hacking](), [messaging](), [open-source](), [privacy](), [quantum](), [surveillance](), [sustainability]() ### AI overview The article explains Signal's privacy-focused mission and funding model. It describes the Signal Protocol's end-to-end encryption, metadata protection, open-source development, quantum-resistance work, and nonprofit, donation-supported structure. It contrasts this approach with consumer technology models based on surveillance, growth hacking, and dark patterns. ### Source excerpt Signal is the world's most widely used truly private messaging app, and our cryptographic technologies provide extra layers of privacy beyond the Signal app itself. Since launching in 2013, the Signal Protocol--our end-to-end encryption technology--has become the de facto standard for private communication, protecting the contents of billions of conversations in WhatsApp, Google Messages, and many others. Signal also continues to invest in research and development in the pursuit of extending communications privacy. This commitment underlies our recent work to add a layer of quantum resistance to the Signal Protocol, and our previous work on metadata protection technologies that help keep personal details like your contact list, group membership, profile name, and other intimate information secure. This singular focus on preserving the ability to communicate privately is one reason that we work in the open, documenting our thinking and making our code open source and open to scrutiny--so you don't have to take our word for it. Read more... ## New Features Roll Call: Fall 2023 DevFeed: [New Features Roll Call: Fall 2023]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2023-11-08T00:00:00Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Messaging](), [App]() Tags: [features](), [improvements](), [messaging](), [new-features]() ### AI overview Signal introduces a periodic New Features Roll Call for improvements and quality-of-life changes. The supplied text describes removing contacts and editing messages, including visible edit history and message request handling. ### Source excerpt You should be able to communicate without worrying that every gossip tidbit, meme, or joke you share and who you share it with will get churned up into fodder for targeted ads or used to train an AI model. You also shouldn't have to strip your communications down to the barest and most utilitarian version of relaying information. This is why Signal is dedicated to providing a truly private messaging app, and why we work to constantly make the experience better for everyone who uses it. We want you to know about the improvements we're making in Signal, even the smaller ones that simply make the app nicer to use. So, starting here we're publishing a periodic New Features Roll Call, reviewing multiple new features and quality of life improvements in one place. Read more... ## Quantum Resistance and the Signal Protocol DevFeed: [Quantum Resistance and the Signal Protocol]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Cryptography]() Tags: [algorithms](), [cryptographic](), [encryption](), [quantum](), [quantum-computing]() ### AI overview Signal introduces PQXDH, an upgrade to X3DH intended to add quantum-resistant protection to the Signal Protocol. The article explains the quantum-computing threat to current cryptography and uses RSA public-key cryptography as an introductory example. ### Source excerpt The Signal Protocol is a set of cryptographic specifications that provides end-to-end encryption for private communications exchanged daily by billions of people around the world. After its publication in 2013, the Signal Protocol was adopted not only by Signal but well beyond. Technical information on the Signal Protocol can be found in the specifications section of our docs site. Today we are happy to announce the first step in advancing quantum resistance for the Signal Protocol: an upgrade to the X3DH specification which we are calling PQXDH. With this upgrade, we are adding a layer of protection against the threat of a quantum computer being built in the future that is powerful enough to break current encryption standards. This post is written to introduce this work to non-experts, and will review what quantum computing is and the challenges it presents for current cryptographic algorithms, before providing a high level overview of how we are adapting our specifications to answer these challenges. If you would like to skip this summary and explore our PQXDH specification in depth, you can read our technical whitepaper here. Read more... ## Standing firm against threats to private and safe communication DevFeed: [Standing firm against threats to private and safe communication]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2023-03-09T00:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Cryptography]() Tags: [backdoor](), [encryption](), [government](), [messaging](), [privacy]() ### AI overview Signal argues that the UK Online Safety Bill could force providers to weaken end-to-end encryption, enabling surveillance and government interference with private communications. ### Source excerpt Signal exists to provide people everywhere with a tool for real private communication. That's our only goal, and we take it very seriously. We're structured as a nonprofit to ensure that market forces can never put profit or expediency over the safety of those who rely on us. Our work also resonates beyond the Signal app. The Signal Protocol has become the foundation for end-to-end encryption technology that is used and trusted by many private messaging services to protect billions of messages every day. We recognize that privacy is a human right and that free expression and the ability to dissent are fundamental to a safe and vibrant society. But the current state of the Online Safety Bill in the UK puts the future of privacy and expression in grave jeopardy. Read more... ## Signal introduces encrypted Stories for Android and iOS DevFeed: [Signal introduces encrypted Stories for Android and iOS]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2022-11-07T00:00:00Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Messaging](), [Android](), [iOS](), [App]() Tags: [android](), [feature](), [ios](), [messaging](), [news]() ### AI overview Signal has introduced Stories for Android and iOS. Users can share image, video, and text updates with selected audiences; stories expire after 24 hours and are end-to-end encrypted. ### Source excerpt If your favorite way to update your friends about life disappears in 24 hours, we've got some happy news for you. Stories are now available on Signal for Android and iOS, with Desktop coming soon! Read more... ## Signal is removing SMS support from its Android app DevFeed: [Signal is removing SMS support from its Android app]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2022-10-12T00:00:00Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Android](), [App](), [Messaging](), [Encryption](), [Mobile]() Tags: [android](), [communication](), [devices](), [encryption](), [messaging](), [mobile](), [privacy](), [signal]() ### AI overview Signal is phasing out SMS and MMS support in its Android app because messages sent through the Signal interface were not protected by Signal's privacy guarantees. Users who use Signal as their default SMS app will need to choose another default app and export their messages. ### Source excerpt For many years, the Signal app on Android has supported sending and receiving plaintext SMS and MMS messages in addition to Signal messages. SMS and MMS are standardized communication protocols that allow mobile devices to send and transmit messages, and most people picking up their phone to text or share memes don't really think about them. To give some context, when we started supporting SMS, Signal didn't exist yet. Our Android app was called TextSecure and the Signal encryption protocol was called Axolotl. Almost a decade has passed since then, and a lot has changed. Read more... ## Help people in Iran reconnect to Signal - a request to our community DevFeed: [Help people in Iran reconnect to Signal - a request to our community]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2022-09-22T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [servers](), [Network](), [TLS (Transport Layer Security)](), [Android](), [App]() Tags: [android](), [http](), [iran](), [network](), [server](), [tls]() ### AI overview Signal asks its community to run lightweight proxy servers to help people in Iran reconnect to Signal during network blocking. The article explains the server and domain requirements, Android link-based configuration, and how the TLS proxy is designed to resemble ordinary encrypted web traffic. ### Source excerpt Signal is currently blocked in Iran. To help people in the country access Signal, we are republishing and revising a post that we originally posted in February, 2021 during a very similar situation in Iran. If you are willing and able, please follow the instructions below to set up a proxy server that will enable people in Iran to connect to Signal. We are grateful to the community who pitches in to help each other during these moments. If you are currently running a proxy, you will need to make some updates to ensure it continues to function. Update instructions are here. Read more... ## A Message from Signal's New President DevFeed: [A Message from Signal's New President]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2022-09-06T00:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Encryption](), [App](), [Artificial Intelligence](), [Monitoring]() Tags: [ai](), [app](), [communications](), [encryption](), [leadership](), [monitoring](), [strategy](), [sustainability](), [tech-industry]() ### AI overview The author announces that they will become Signal's President on September 12, describing the role as a continuation of their prior work with Signal and its board. They will focus on strategy, financial sustainability, public communications, and strengthening the app and organization. The article also reflects on surveillance-driven technology and reaffirms support for encryption and private communications. ### Source excerpt On September 12 I'll be stepping into the role of Signal's President, a new position created in collaboration with Signal's leadership. I am thrilled, and I can't think of a more meaningful use of my time, or a greater honor. I've been a friend, admirer, and champion of Signal since it was RedPhone and TextSecure, and in 2020 I joined Signal's Board of Directors, helping inform high-level strategy and direction. So in many ways this is a happy step on a long continuum, not a dramatic change. Signal is more important now than ever, and I expect this to stay true well into the future. As President I will dedicate myself to helping Signal build a long taproot so it can grow and thrive in dynamic climates. In this role I will be working with Signal's CEO and leadership, with a particular focus on guiding Signal's strategy, ensuring our financial sustainability, sharpening and broadening Signal's public communications, and whatever else is needed to strengthen the app and the org. Read more... ## Technology Deep Dive: Building a Faster ORAM Layer for Enclaves DevFeed: [Technology Deep Dive: Building a Faster ORAM Layer for Enclaves]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2022-08-19T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Messaging](), [App](), [data](), [Development]() Tags: [data](), [deep-dive](), [engineering](), [messaging](), [privacy](), [technical](), [technology]() ### AI overview Signal describes a faster path-based oblivious RAM (Path ORAM) layer for enclave-based private contact discovery. The approach improves on linear scanning by reducing processing demands while preserving the privacy of users' contact relationships, and it supports future username and phone-number privacy features. ### Source excerpt Private doesn't mean lonely. Signal's mission is to help you connect with people in a secure way. This means that you need to know which of your contacts are also on Signal. This is called "contact discovery" and it's an essential part of any messaging app. Most other communications apps enable contact discovery by maintaining their own internal social graph or by uploading and storing your full address book on their servers. But Signal enables you to find and connect with people in a privacy-preserving way. In short, we let you see which of your friends use Signal, but we don't want to know who your friends are. Letting you know which of your contacts are using Signal while preserving the privacy of your social map requires some complex engineering choices on our end. In this post, we'll be diving into some new ways that improve our ability to handle contacts in a private way. That's right folks. We're getting technical. We're talking enclaves and memory access patterns. [If you've never heard of an enclave before, don't worry. We'll explain it soon.] Our new method is faster and more efficient. It lays the groundwork for the introduction of usernames and phone number privacy which will offer new privacy controls around your phone number's visibility on Signal. Read more... ## How to build large-scale end-to-end encrypted group video calls DevFeed: [How to build large-scale end-to-end encrypted group video calls]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2021-12-15T00:00:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [End-to-End Encryption](), [Encryption](), [Open Source](), [Rust](), [Server](), [Internet](), [cpu]() Tags: [architectures](), [audio](), [communication](), [cpu](), [encryption](), [flow](), [how-to](), [implementation](), [internet](), [media](), [open-source](), [rust](), [scale](), [server](), [video]() ### AI overview This article explains how Signal scaled end-to-end encrypted group video calls from five to 40 participants by building its own open source Signal Calling Service. It compares full-mesh, server-mixing, and selective-forwarding architectures, then describes the use of a Selective Forwarding Unit (SFU) that forwards encrypted media without viewing or altering it. Signal ultimately implemented a new SFU in Rust after an earlier solution could not scale reliably because of high server CPU usage. ### Source excerpt Signal released end-to-end encrypted group calls a year ago, and since then we've scaled from support for 5 participants all the way to 40. There is no off the shelf software that would allow us to support calls of that size while ensuring that all communication is end-to-end encrypted, so we built our own open source Signal Calling Service to do the job. This post will describe how it works in more detail. Read more... ## Become a Signal Sustainer DevFeed: [Become a Signal Sustainer]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2021-12-01T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [App](), [client](), [servers](), [data]() Tags: [app](), [badge](), [community](), [data](), [investors](), [organization](), [payment](), [payments](), [privacy](), [products](), [profile](), [server](), [subscriptions](), [technology]() ### AI overview Signal describes a nonprofit funding model supported by user contributions rather than advertising, data sales, investors, or shareholders. The article explains monthly subscriptions, one-time boosts, profile badges, privacy-preserving payment verification, and automatic cancellation when users stop using the app. ### Source excerpt Signal has no data to sell, no advertisers to sell it to, and no shareholders to benefit from such a sale. We're building a different kind of tech - where your data stays in your hands - but we're also building a different kind of tech organization. One without investors, quarterly earnings calls, or share price considerations. While the model for conventional tech companies incentivizes them to build products for your data rather than for you, Signal's nonprofit structure is designed so that the only way value can accrue is in the experience of using the app; the only place it can accrue is in the hands of the people who use it. Read more... ## Improving first impressions on Signal DevFeed: [Improving first impressions on Signal]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2021-11-01T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Messaging](), [Security, Privacy and Abuse Prevention](), [Security](), [Encryption](), [Cryptography](), [Software](), [Code]() Tags: [community](), [cryptography](), [encryption](), [free](), [global](), [growth](), [messaging](), [network](), [open](), [privacy](), [scam](), [security](), [server](), [servers](), [software](), [source]() ### AI overview Signal describes how it is adapting its communication service to detect and disrupt spam campaigns while preserving privacy. Because Signal does not access message content, social graphs, or metadata, it is developing some spam-fighting server code privately, while keeping its protocols, cryptography, applications, and other source code open for review. The article also mentions changes to client applications and message requests as part of these efforts. ### Source excerpt The phenomenon of unsolicited and unwanted messaging dates back to the earliest communication platforms: from prehistoric cave graffiti and postal chain letters to popup ads and robocalls. To prevent spam, most online services rely on large-scale inspection of plaintext conversation content or detailed social-graph analysis to determine who is saying what to whom and whether or not that should be allowed. At Signal, we build on a foundation of privacy and do not have access to that type of data or metadata. We build Signal in the open, with publicly available source code for our applications and servers. To keep Signal a free global communication service without spam, we must depart from our totally-open posture and develop one piece of the server in private: a system for detecting and disrupting spam campaigns. Unlike encryption protocols, which are designed to be provably secure even if everyone knows how they work, spam detection is an ongoing chore for which there is no concrete resolution and for which transparency is a major disadvantage. If we put this code on the Internet alongside everything else, spammers would just read it and adjust their tactics to gain an advantage in the cat-and-mouse game of keeping spam off the network. The Signal protocols, cryptography, and source code are peer reviewed, shared for independent inspection, and provably private by design. We are bound by these security guarantees, so that your conversations and contacts remain as private and protected as ever, even if we keep spam-fighting tools out of sight. Read more... ## Embrace ephemerality with default disappearing messages DevFeed: [Embrace ephemerality with default disappearing messages]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2021-08-10T00:00:00Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [data]() Tags: [data](), [devices](), [ephemerality](), [history](), [install](), [storage](), [time]() ### AI overview Signal introduces default disappearing-message timers for new conversations and customizable durations ranging from 60 seconds to 4 weeks. The feature automatically deletes messages for senders and recipients, helping limit retained conversation history and save device storage. ### Source excerpt As the norms for how people connect have changed, much of the communication that once took place through the medium of coffee shops, bars, and parks now takes place through the medium of digital devices. One side effect of this shift from analog to digital is the conjoined shift from the ephemeral to the eternal: words once transiently spoken are now - more often than not - data stored forever. We've designed Signal so that your data always stays in your hands. We think there's something special about sharing a private fleeting moment between friends, so Signal also supports disappearing messages. Now, we've added the ability to preconfigure all conversations you initiate with a default disappearing messages timer. Read more... ## The Instagram ads Facebook won't show you DevFeed: [The Instagram ads Facebook won't show you]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2021-05-04T00:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [data](), [Instagram](), [Internet](), [systems]() Tags: [ads](), [data](), [facebook](), [instagram](), [net-conf](), [platform](), [technology](), [visibility]() ### AI overview The article describes an attempt to buy targeted Instagram ads that would show viewers personal data Facebook collects and uses for advertising. Facebook denied the ads, illustrating the article's argument that the platform sells visibility into people's lives while limiting transparency about how their data is used. ### Source excerpt Companies like Facebook aren't building technology for you, they're building technology for your data. They collect everything they can from FB, Instagram, and WhatsApp in order to sell visibility into people and their lives. This isn't exactly a secret, but the full picture is hazy to most - dimly concealed within complex, opaquely-rendered systems and fine print designed to be scrolled past. The way most of the internet works today would be considered intolerable if translated into comprehensible real world analogs, but it endures because it is invisible. Read more... ## Exploiting vulnerabilities in Cellebrite UFED and Physical Analyzer from an app's perspective DevFeed: [Exploiting vulnerabilities in Cellebrite UFED and Physical Analyzer from an app's perspective]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2021-04-21T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Vulnerabilities](), [Security](), [Mobile](), [Android](), [Windows](), [iphone](), [Software](), [Parsing]() Tags: [android](), [hardware](), [iphone](), [mobile](), [parsing](), [security](), [software](), [vulnerabilities](), [windows]() ### AI overview The article examines Cellebrite's UFED and Physical Analyzer software, explaining how the tools extract, index, parse, and display data from physically accessible mobile devices. It focuses on Cellebrite's support for Signal and the security implications of its products. ### Source excerpt Cellebrite makes software to automate physically extracting and indexing data from mobile devices. They exist within the grey - where enterprise branding joins together with the larcenous to be called "digital intelligence." Their customer list has included authoritarian regimes in Belarus, Russia, Venezuela, and China; death squads in Bangladesh; military juntas in Myanmar; and those seeking to abuse and oppress in Turkey, UAE, and elsewhere. A few months ago, they announced that they added Signal support to their software. Their products have often been linked to the persecution of imprisoned journalists and activists around the world, but less has been written about what their software actually does or how it works. Let's take a closer look. In particular, their software is often associated with bypassing security, so let's take some time to examine the security of their own software. Read more... ## Update on beta testing payments in Signal DevFeed: [Update on beta testing payments in Signal]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2021-04-13T00:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Signal Blog]() Topics: [Cryptocurrency](), [Finance](), [User Experience](), [data]() Tags: [cryptocurrency](), [integrations](), [payments](), [privacy](), [signal](), [user-experience]() ### AI overview Signal discusses its beta-testing payments direction and the privacy problems of existing payment networks. Rather than building a cryptocurrency protocol itself, Signal proposes linked support for separately maintained non-custodial cryptocurrency wallets so users can access payments networks while keeping their data private. ### Source excerpt As the world stands today, the future of transaction privacy does not look great. The existing landscape is dominated by traditional credit companies, who over the past decade have been steadily pushing their networks for increased access to user data. They (and their data customers) are on a track to getting SKU level data of every purchase everyone makes everywhere. There are other contenders, such as regional online payments networks (like Venmo in the US), but the data story there is similar. This is not a future we are particularly excited about. At Signal, we want to help build a different kind of tech - where software is built for you rather than for your data - so these are trends that we watch warily. Read more... [Next page]()