Keep your phone number private with Signal usernames (signal.org)

Article summary

Signal is introducing new features to enhance user privacy, including hiding phone numbers from contacts and allowing users to create unique usernames to initiate conversations without sharing their phone number. These features are currently in beta and will be rolled out to all users in the coming weeks. Users will have control over who can see their phone number and who can find them by their phone number on Signal. The app will also expire after 90 days, requiring users to update to the latest version to continue using the service.

Main themes

• phone number privacy
• username feature
• app expiration
• security vs availability
• multi-device support
• privacy protection

What commenters say

• Some users want Signal to remove the requirement for phone numbers as IDs altogether.
• The introduction of usernames is seen as a step in the right direction, but some users are disappointed that they still cannot have the same account on multiple phones.
• The 90-day expiration of the app is seen as a necessary compromise between security and availability.
• Some users are concerned that the new features may not be effective in protecting user privacy, particularly if third-party apps are still able to access phone numbers.
• Others argue that the new features are a significant improvement and will help to protect user privacy.
• There is a debate about the balance between security, availability, and usability in the design of messaging apps.
• Some users are frustrated with the limitations of Signal's current implementation, such as the inability to sync chat history across devices.