Signal is preparing an update to its instant messaging to more effectively hide its members’ phone numbers. It will be hidden by default, but it will still be possible to display it if desired.
This is a welcome step forward for those who want to further increase their level of confidentiality on Signal. In the short term, the phone number will no longer be visible data in the application. Sharing it will no longer be necessary either, even to chat with someone on Signal.
This change was revealed during the day of February 20 by a member of the team. “ The mission and sole purpose of Signal is private communication. […] Today we’re going even further by making your phone number more private on Signal “, we read in the blog post published on the official website.
This new direction is currently available in the beta version of instant messaging. It must be launched “ Soon » for everyone, but no precise timetable has been given. Instead of a phone number, mobile users can create a unique username, which they can then broadcast.
A welcome update, but with its limitations
Two drawbacks must, however, be highlighted. First, people who have saved your phone number in their phone’s contacts will still see it, because they already know it. This development only applies to future correspondents. Then, you still need a number to connect to the application.
It should be noted that in the mechanism imagined by Signal, the username does not constitute a permanent identifier. This ” is not the profile name displayed in chats » neither, and « it is not visible to people you chat with in Signal “. It’s just ” a way to initiate contact on Signal without sharing your number. »
The messaging emphasizes that sharing the username can be done by generating a specific link, or a QR Code. If necessary, users always have the possibility of making their number visible so that third parties can find them this way. The deployment of these tools is expected in the coming weeks.
These new settings are part of Signal’s regular efforts to improve the security and confidentiality of content circulating through its platform, and the preservation of the privacy of its members. One such effort is the use of end-to-end encryption by default. Others are underway to prepare for the future.
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