IM apps have the potential to become a rich source of evidence in criminal investigations.

Launched using an application as the point of communication and dark web marketplaces. Unfortunately, such a secured app can also be used by lawbreakers as an entry point for criminal activity.Īccording to the annual EUROPOL report 'Internet organized crime threat assessment', these crimes might be perpetrated through instant messengers: online solicitation of children for sexual purposes, terrorist acts The core idea behind Signal is providing users with the highest levels of anti-surveillance capabilities possible. Outlets in the US, including the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal, use Signal to get news tips. In February 2020,Įuropean Commission advised its staff to switch to Signal to improve the security of their communications. The app is even recommended for use in government spaces. With the latest investments from Brian Acton, a WhatsApp co-founder, Signal continues to gain momentum and is becoming more popular with security-conscious users, activists, journalists, and lawyers. Signal rivals are messaging apps with larger user databases (like WhatApp, Telegram) and smaller niche messaging apps (like Wickr and Dust). While the exact figures for Signal's user base are not publicly known, reports indicate that the app saw 10 million downloads in Google's Play Market in 2020, and another 40 percent of the app's users are on iOS. Even Edward Snowden called Signal his favorite messenger app.

Signal is widely considered to be the most secure messaging service.

Updated version of this article is available HERE

Signal messenger app for iphone