Although voice and text messages use separate protocols, from the perspective of users, the two are treated almost identically, and both are free of cost. Signal is designed as a drop-in replacement for both for voice and text messaging apps (Figure 1). However, when linked to a mobile device, Signal Desktop provides centralized storage, as well as the increased usability of a mouse and a full-size keyboard. So far, the desktop version, compared with the other versions, has a simplified feature set lacking password protection, for example. Recently, it released a beta version of Signal Desktop in the form of a Chrome app.

Since 2013, Open Whisper Systems has merged RedPhone and TextSecure into a single application, adding encrypted group chat and gradually developing Android and iOS versions with comparable feature sets. A year later, Marlinspike left Twitter to found Open Whisper Systems, which is funded by donations and grants, a neutrality that partially explains the high regard for its products.

Whisper Systems was bought by Twitter in November 2011, and within half a year, both RedPhone and TextSecure, were released under the third version of the GNU General Public License. Signal originated in RedPhone and TextSecure, two proprietary encryption tools for Android developed by Whisper Systems, founded by Moxie Marlinspike and Stuart Anderson. These endorsements are the result of not just Signal’s ability to encrypt voice and text messages, but also its ability to integrate into existing interfaces for ease of installation and use.

That app is Signal Private Messenger, developed by the non-profit Open Whisper Systems for Android, iOS, and desktop environments. Signal is an efficient private messenger app that integrates easily into existing interfaces and places all communications in a single display, making encryption a feature that anyone can use.ĭozens of private messenger apps are available today however, only one has the endorsement of both Edward Snowden and Bruce Schneier and is recommended by both the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Signal messaging desktop