By Downloads of privacyfocused messaging apps Signal and Telegram got a boost as users looked for alternatives to Facebookowned WhatsApp over concerns about changes to the services privacy policy.
Signal saw approximately 7.5 million installs globally through the Apple App Store and Google Play store between Jan. 6 and Jan. 10, according to Sensor Tower. Thats 43 times the number from the previous week. It is highest week or even monthly install number for Signal in the apps history.
Meanwhile Telegram saw 5.6 million downloads globally from Wednesday through Sunday, according to Apptopia.
Signal claims to have stateoftheart endtoend encryption as part of its service, which prevents messages from being read by those who are not the intended recipient.
The surge in downloads of these two apps comes after WhatsApp released an update to its privacy policy on Jan. 4. Since 2016, WhatsApp has shared certain data with Facebook. But users previously had a chance to opt out of this.
But starting Feb. 8, users will be prompted in the app to accept the updated terms in order to continue using WhatsApp. Users in Europe and the U.K. will see a different message due to data protection rules in those jurisdictions.
WhatsApp messages are encrypted, however, meaning Facebook will not be able to see their contents. But WhatsApp collects a lot of other data which can be shared with its parent company.
This data includes account registration information such as your phone number,…
