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GUANGZHOU, China – The download of messaging apps aimed at enhancing the privacy of Signal and Telegram increased when users looked for alternatives to Facebook-owned WhatsApp over concerns about changes to the service’s privacy policy.
Signal saw approximately 7.5 million installations worldwide through the Apple App Store and Google Play store between Jan. 6 and Jan. 10, according to Sensor Tower. That’s 43 times the number from the previous week. It is the highest weekly or even monthly installation number for Signal in the history of the app.
Meanwhile Telegram saw 5.6 million downloads worldwide from Wednesday to Sunday, according to Apptopia.
Signal says that their service includes “modern end-to-end encryption”, which prevents messages from being read by those who do not expect to receive them.
The increase in downloads of these two apps comes after WhatsApp released an update about its privacy policy on Jan. 4. Since 2016, WhatsApp has shared certain data with Facebook. But before that, consumers had the opportunity to opt out of this.
But starting February 8, users will be encouraged in the app to accept the updated terms to continue using WhatsApp. Consumers in Europe and the UK will see a different message due to data protection regulations in these jurisdictions.
WhatsApp messages are circulated, however, meaning that Facebook will not be able to view their content. But WhatsApp collects a lot of other data that can be shared with its parent company.
This data includes account registration information such as your phone number, trading data, service related information, information on how you interact with others, including businesses when using the service, and information about a mobile device.
In a statement Monday, WhatsApp said this update does not affect the privacy of messages sent to friends and family. He clarified that the update will include “changes related to sending messages to business on WhatsApp, which is optional, and provide more transparency on how we collect and using data. “
WhatsApp claims that the data shared by Facebook is used to help improve infrastructure, promote safety and security and update services by making recommendations or personalizing features and content. This could also include integration between Facebook and WhatsApp branded products.
Following the news, Tesla CEO Elon Musk urged his Twitter followers last week to “use Signal.”
Signal reported last week that verification codes sent to users via text message to start using the app have been delayed due to high demand. Signal said it added additional servers to handle the new users.
“We will continue to shake traffic records and enable more and more people to come to terms with their dislike of Facebook’s new terms,” Signal said in a tweet. you may have recently created a new group, please try again. New servers are ready to serve you. “
Despite the rise in Signal and Telegram downloads, WhatsApp has not seen a decline, according to Adam Blacker, vice president of vision at Apptopia.
“It’s too busy. In my opinion a very small number of people who use WhatsApp every day are recently deleted,” Blacker told CNBC in an email.
“Even those who download and use Signal or Telegram will continue to use WhatsApp because that’s where most of their friends and family are. They may start talking to special people on Signal but still chatting with their mother on WhatsApp. “