Signal Gets Disappearing Messages: Is It For Privacy Or Something Else ?

In the vast market of messaging apps, Signal stands out as one that cares for the privacy of its users. The signal app has always provided end-to-end encryption and utmost privacy to their users, now it has added disappearing messages in a new update.

Although Signal maintains that disappearing messages is a method to reduce clutter in the chats and not for privacy. But, with so much online chatter that people have it makes sense, no one cares about the conversations of last month or even last week.

Disappearing messages was first initiated by Snapchat and users used it to send sensitive information only to realize later that by taking a screenshot the messages can be saved forever. So, Signal maintains that the new addition of disappearing messages is not a feature to enhance the privacy.

Signal will feature a disappearing timer that can be set from few seconds to days. Once the receiver has read the message the timer starts ticking. Signal's new update of disappearing messages will ensure users follow data hygiene and will result in tidy data.

According to the Open Whisper Systems, "Disappearing messages are a way for you and your friends to keep your message history tidy. They are a collaborative feature for conversations where all participants want to automate minimalist data hygiene."

Signal's latest update also featured support for Signal Protocol's numeric fingerprint format, which are called "safety numbers" in Signal. Safety numbers are used as verification tools and it makes use of a simple QR code or a string of numbers.

Signal's numeric fingerprints have a lot of benefits over the hex strings. The Numeric fingerprints' are localized and are audibly different. Signal has ensured the core users of the app who care more about their privacy are not left disappointed with the update.

So, go try out the new updated Signal app on iOS and Android with disappearing messages.