Who owns the Signal app?

The Signal app is owned by the Signal Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on privacy and secure communication.

Signal Foundation: The Non-Profit Organization

Overview of the Signal Foundation

Founded in 2018: Signal Foundation was created to develop and maintain the Signal app as a secure, non-profit platform.
Non-Profit: Focuses on privacy and security, funded through donations and grants.

The Mission of Signal Foundation

Privacy Protection: The foundation aims to develop tools that ensure user privacy with end-to-end encryption.
Secure Communication: Advocates for secure messaging and ensures accessibility worldwide.
Independence: Remains free from corporate influence, prioritizing privacy over profit.

Who Are the Founders of Signal?

Moxie Marlinspike’s Role

Creator of Signal: Moxie Marlinspike is the original developer and architect of the Signal Protocol and the app itself.
Focus on Privacy: Marlinspike’s vision was to create an encrypted communication platform that prioritizes user privacy and security.

Brian Acton’s Involvement

Co-Founder of WhatsApp: Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp, joined Signal Foundation in 2018 after leaving Facebook.
Support and Funding: Acton provided significant financial backing to ensure Signal’s development as a non-profit organization focused on user privacy.

How Does Signal Fund Itself?

Donations and Grants

Non-Profit Model: Signal is funded primarily through donations from users and grants from organizations that support privacy and security.
Transparency: The foundation shares its funding sources to ensure transparency and maintain trust with its users.

The Role of Private Contributions

Individual Support: Private donors, including tech industry figures, contribute to Signal’s development and sustainability.
Long-Term Funding: Contributions help Signal remain independent from corporate interests, ensuring its focus stays on user privacy and security.

Is Signal Owned by Big Tech?

Independence from Corporations

Non-Profit Status: Signal operates as a non-profit organization, ensuring it remains independent of big tech companies.
User-Centric Focus: Signal prioritizes privacy and security over profit, unlike corporate-backed apps that monetize user data.

No Ties to Facebook or Google

No Corporate Ownership: Signal is not owned or controlled by Facebook, Google, or any other large tech corporation.
Self-Funded: Signal is funded by donations and grants, maintaining complete autonomy from tech giants and their business models.

The Legal Structure of Signal

Signal’s Non-Profit Model

Non-Profit Status: Signal is a non-profit, focused on secure communication without profit motives.
Privacy Focused: Its structure ensures privacy remains the priority over revenue generation.

Why Signal Remains Non-Profit

Privacy Commitment: Staying non-profit allows Signal to focus solely on privacy without corporate pressures.
Independence: This model keeps Signal free from external influence, ensuring it stays true to its mission.

The Relationship Between Signal and WhatsApp

Brian Acton’s Role in Both

WhatsApp Co-Founder: Brian Acton co-founded WhatsApp before leaving in 2017, citing concerns over privacy.
Signal’s Supporter: Acton became a major financial backer of Signal, providing funding and supporting its mission of privacy.

Signal’s Evolution from WhatsApp

Shift in Focus: Signal and WhatsApp share similar messaging foundations, but Signal’s primary focus is privacy through end-to-end encryption and minimal data collection.
Separation from WhatsApp: Unlike WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, Signal remains independent and free from corporate influence, emphasizing secure, private communication.

Signal’s Governance and Leadership

Board Members and Advisors

Independent Oversight: Signal is governed by a board of directors and advisors who guide its strategic decisions, ensuring its non-profit mission remains intact.
Privacy Advocates: The board includes individuals with strong backgrounds in privacy and security, ensuring the app’s commitment to user protection.

How Leadership Shapes Signal’s Vision

Mission-Driven Leadership: Leadership at Signal focuses on prioritizing user privacy, ensuring that all decisions align with the core values of security and transparency.
Vision for the Future: Signal’s leadership drives its growth as a secure communication platform, working to expand its reach while staying true to its privacy-first principles.

Is Signal owned by a corporation?

No, Signal is owned by the Signal Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to privacy and security.

Who founded the Signal app?

Signal was created by Moxie Marlinspike and later supported by Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp.

Is Signal affiliated with Facebook or Google?

No, Signal is independent and has no ties to Facebook, Google, or any other large tech corporation.