‘Not Just Nerds, Everyone's Talking About Privacy Now'
The Times of India Delhi|January 14, 2021
Brian Acton co-founded WhatsApp, which he sold to Facebook in 2014 for $16 billion. Three years later, he left the social media company following differences with founder Mark Zuckerberg on monetisation of WhatsApp. In 2018, Acton co-founded Signal Foundation, which houses the messaging platform under the same name. Following WhatsApp’s recent announcement of changes in its privacy policies, Signal has seen an unprecedented spike in downloads by Android and Apple users across the world. It now leads the free app charts in nearly 60 countries, with India seeing the most downloads. Acton spoke to TOI's Digbijay Mishra & Reeba Zachariah over video about the impact of the past few extraordinary days. Excerpts from the conversation:
Digbijay Mishra & Reeba Zachariah
‘Not Just Nerds, Everyone's Talking About Privacy Now'

There was a rush to join Signal after WhatsApp updated its data sharing policy. But now that WhatsApp has issued clarifications, do you see any impact on migration?

There is going to be continued confusion around the privacy policy. It was complicated to read in the first place. I do not know how the clarifications will percolate into discussions on the topic. People have been talking and asking questions like should I switch to Signal. These discussions will continue because the policy is still not clear.

We, meanwhile, are just excited to explain to the world that Signal has very simple terms of service and privacy policy. We’re here to protect your privacy, so you don’t have to worry. We have very little data, and whatever data we have is strongly encrypted, even we cannot read it. We encrypt all messages, the recipients, the groups and profile photos.

How many users installed Signal globally since January 6, when WhatsApp updated its terms?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE TIMES OF INDIA DELHIView all
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
The Times of India

Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?

From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
The Times of India

Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134

American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
The Times of India

India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field

Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
The Times of India

SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc

‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Fury's Ground Xiro
The Times of India

Fury's Ground Xiro

Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The Times of India

Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye

The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
The Times of India

Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance

Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
The Times of India

Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told

Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
The Times of India

Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future

Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
The Times of India

Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal

He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022