Signal has been adding so many new users that it experienced technical issues today.
Signal is a messaging app that is widely considered one of the most secure communication platforms in existence. While the app has been popular among privacy-conscious users for some time, it has received a major boost since WhatsApp announced it would start sharing user data with other Facebook-owned companies.
In fact, according to U.S. News & World Report, “Signal was downloaded by 17.8 million users over the past seven days, a 62-fold rise from the prior week, according to data from Sensor Tower. WhatsApp was downloaded by 10.6 million users during the same period, a 17% decline.”
That growth hasn’t come without issues, however. For much of the day today, Signal has been experiencing technical difficulties, which the company has said is a reflection of its growth.
We have been adding new servers and extra capacity at a record pace every single day this week nonstop, but today exceeded even our most optimistic projections. Millions upon millions of new users are sending a message that privacy matters. We appreciate your patience.
— Signal (@signalapp) January 15, 2021
The company later tweeted that it is making progress toward a resolution.
We are making progress towards getting the service back online. Privacy is our top priority, but adding capacity is a close second right now.
— Signal (@signalapp) January 15, 2021
Signal’s growth is good news for privacy advocates, and signals (pun intended) a bright future for the messaging app.