End-to-end encrypted messaging app Signal finally allows users to pick custom usernames to connect with others while protecting their phone number privacy.
This is part of a beta rollout that follows a public test phase in a staging environment separate from the stable Signal messaging service announced in November.
"We're launching these updates to our beta users now, and will be turning them on for everyone running the latest version of the Signal app soon," Signa said.
"Our goal is to listen to your feedback, make adjustments, and ensure phone number privacy on Signal is easy and useful for everyone."
After installing the client beta version on their computer or mobile device, users can create a username that can be used to contact them in Settings > Profile (while you can set your own custom username, all usernames will have two numbers at the end).
Because Apple caps the total number of iOS beta testers, Signal has already reached that limit for this beta test phase, but you can get around this by signing up for the macOS Desktop beta (linked to your iOS account) if you're an iOS Signal user.
Once you've set up your new username, you no longer have to disclose your phone number, and you will also be able to share a unique link or QR code with people you want to start a quick chat with.
Usernames are not displayed on your Signal profile, and they can be changed as often as needed or even removed altogether if you no longer want to use one.
While contacts with your number saved will still be able to see it, your number won't be visible to anyone else if you don't want to share it.
You can also enable a new, optional privacy setting, requiring those who want to connect with you on Signal to use the username instead of your phone number.
"Your phone number will no longer be visible to anyone on the latest version of Signal unless they have it saved in their phone's contacts. You can change this in Settings," Signal explains in the iOS beta app's changelog.
"You can now set and share an optional username to let people chat with you without giving them your phone number. A new privacy setting lets you control who can find you by your phone number on Signal."
Signal President Meredith Whittaker first mentioned in November 2022 that Signal was working on rolling out username support that would allow using the encrypted messaging service without having to disclose phone numbers linked to accounts.
"We are working on usernames, which will allow people to communicate with each other without ever sharing their phone number. You will still need a phone number for registration, but you can choose to share it with no one," Whittaker added in August 2023.
Comments
TanyaC - 4 months ago
It would be better if signal did not require cell phone number at all. And that the desktop version could be installed without having to own a cell phone, which I do not have. The single most sought after piece of personal information every business wants is your cell phone number. With it they can gather so much other personal information, track, profile and monitor your activities. No thanks.
If you've provided Signal with your cell phone number it is already shared.
electrolite - 4 months ago
Sigh, I am still stuck using Skype on PCs', hoping that one day, Signal does away with this requirement.
girlBoss - 4 months ago
What's the news here? If I want private and secure communications I don't use Signal.
I don't see the usecase here. Why do I require a "private" conversation with a person that I don't even trust with my phone number? A phone number cannot be private to begin with, that's not how this works.
"Our goal is to ... ensure phone number privacy on Signal is easy and useful for everyone."
It would make a lot more sense if it was brought up in the context of "Anonymity", not "privacy". There is a distinct difference between the two. How exactly am I to trust someone with "private data" if they cannot even grasp what the real issue is.
So I go out and acquire a black market throw away number. Instantly anonymous and private up until I share it publicly. In the EU you have to register every SIM Card you purchase so you are never anonymous to begin with, and private only within the scope of your providers discretion.
This all sounds like high profile circlej***ing to me.
electrolite - 4 months ago
You are missing the concept of what end-to-end encryption is and the whole point of Signal. Regular phone calls can be decrypted by the cell provider. The providers do not have the keys to decrypt Signal calls.
This new feature are for Signal users who can now talk to say 'less' trustworthy people without having to disclose their phone number, which is a welcome feature.