Here’s the encrypted call and messenger app that Edward Snowden himself uses

There’s a slight chance that you value privacy but may not have the $800 or so that the likes of a BlackBerry or Blackphone demand.  If that’s the case, this may be the next best thing.

Open Whisper, the makers of RedPhone and TextSecure apps for encrypted calling and SMS, has received what may be the biggest independent endorsement for a mobile app, ever.

The developer is bringing “Signal,” an app that combines the two functions into one, to Android phones, and what do you know, Edward Snowden himself is a fan.

Android Authority reports that the app has been available on iOS for half a year, and has garnered a reputation for staying true to its word. The two separate apps have also been available on Android, but are being combined into a new free solution.

There are two elements aside from the high-profile endorsement that vouch for the app’s authenticity.  First is that encryption takes place on the phone. According to Open Whisper, the server has no access to a user’s communications and does not store any data.

signal-840x491

The second, and perhaps most important element, is that it’s open source and peer-reviewed. Essentially, if the app didn’t do what it advertised, someone would have blown the whistle by now.

In terms of functionality, the app asks a user to enter their phone number upon installation, and to verify through an incoming SMS code.

It uses your existing phone number and address book, and allows for group chat, attachments and VoIP all while encrypted.

In an age of apps like Facebook Messenger that tracks any and all activity in and outside of of the app, eroding any expectation of privacy, it’s refreshing to see developers finally trying to address these concerns.

Also, on a side note, does this mean Snowden is on an iPhone?

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Dave Yin
Dave Yin
Digital Staff Writer at Computer Dealer News, covering Canada's IT channel.

Related Tech News

Featured Tech Jobs

 

CDN in your inbox

CDN delivers a critical analysis of the competitive landscape detailing both the challenges and opportunities facing solution providers. CDN's email newsletter details the most important news and commentary from the channel.