Signal vs Wickr

2024. Signal now lets you keep your phone number private with the launch of usernames



Signal is introducing usernames, a new feature that eliminates the need to share your phone number to connect with others on the platform. This update, currently in beta, will be gradually available to all users in the upcoming weeks. While Signal still mandates a phone number during registration, this move enhances privacy by allowing users to maintain their phone numbers confidential. This step reinforces Signal's reputation as a leader in secure, end-to-end encrypted messaging, as it mitigates a potential loophole exploited by hackers who could gain access to users' messages by hijacking registered phone numbers at the carrier level.


2021. Signal expands encrypted group video calls to 40 people



The messaging app Signal has expanded its group video chat capabilities to accommodate up to 40 participants, a significant increase from the previous limit of five. Importantly, the end-to-end encryption feature remains intact, ensuring that only the participants in the call have access to the messages or video content. This means that neither the messaging provider, government authorities, nor hackers can view the calls, unless a participant grants them access to the video session or compromises your device's security.


2021. AWS has acquired encrypted messaging service Wickr



Amazon Web Services (AWS) has made an entry into the realm of encrypted messaging with its recent acquisition of the secure communications service Wickr. Wickr is a messaging app that specifically caters to government and military groups as well as enterprises, positioning itself as the sole "collaboration service" that fulfills the security requirements set by the NSA. Following the acquisition, AWS plans to maintain the current operations of Wickr and extend its services to AWS customers. While AWS already offers the communication service Chime, which facilitates meetings, chats, and business calls for organizations, it has not gained the same level of prominence as competing platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams. Unlike Chime, Wickr places a strong emphasis on end-to-end encryption, aligning with AWS's aim to enhance secure communication offerings.


2020. Signal adds encrypted group video calls



Signal, the popular encrypted messaging app known for its commitment to privacy and security, has introduced a new feature: end-to-end encrypted group video calls. This feature allows up to five participants to engage in a video call within a Signal group, providing seamless connectivity and flexibility. Unlike Facebook's Messenger Rooms, Signal ensures that all group video calls are end-to-end encrypted, prioritizing the privacy of its users. Initiating a video call in an existing Signal group is as simple as tapping the video icon located in the upper-right corner of the screen. Once the call has started, group members can freely join or leave the call at any time, enhancing the convenience and accessibility of group communication.


2017. Encrypted messenger Signal adds voice and video calling



A beta version of the encrypted chat application Signal has recently introduced voice and video calling functionality. As mentioned in the app's changelog, beta users now have the opportunity to test this new feature with others who have also enabled it. While Signal primarily targets privacy-conscious users, it competes more broadly with messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Google Duo, all of which offer video calling capabilities. Nowadays, incorporating these features has become a standard requirement for messaging apps that aim to provide alternative client options. Signal is gradually catching up with its competitors in terms of feature set; however, the app faces challenges when it comes to user adoption due to its intentional avoidance of network effects and social integration. Unlike other apps, Signal does not import contacts from social networks, upload address books, or offer features like Snapchat's Snapcodes to facilitate adding new friends. This deliberate approach aligns with Signal's commitment to prioritize security and privacy.


2015. Secure messenger Wickr will focuse on business version



Wickr, the messaging app renowned for offering consumers an encrypted and highly secure alternative to mainstream platforms like Facebook, is undergoing a division into two separate entities. The first division is a for-profit segment that will focus on advancing Wickr as a business. Its primary targets will be enterprises, offering a paid white-label service. The second division is the non-profit Wickr Foundation, which aims to promote secure and safe communications, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, human rights activists, and journalists. Wickr emphasizes that the business-oriented division will explore opportunities to provide encryption tools to those in need. The company's technology is well-suited to assisting enterprises, and discussions are underway with numerous companies to utilize the core technology and expand its functionality, transforming it into an enterprise-grade app or a tool that organizations can use to develop their own applications.