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GUANGZHOU, China: Downloads of privacy-focused messaging apps, Signal and Telegram, increased as users searched for alternatives to Facebook-owned WhatsApp over concerns about changes to the service’s privacy policy.
According to Sensor Tower, Signal recorded approximately 7.5 million installations worldwide through Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store. It is 43 times the number of the previous week. It is the highest weekly or even monthly installation number in the application history.
Meanwhile, Telegram recorded 5.6 million downloads worldwide from Wednesday to Sunday, according to Apptopia.
Signal claims to have “end-to-end encryption” as part of its service, which prevents messages from being read by those who are not the intended recipient.
The increase in downloads from these two apps comes after WhatsApp released an update to its privacy policy on January 4th. Since 2016, WhatsApp has shared certain data with Facebook. But users previously had the opportunity not to participate.
But starting February 8, users will ask the app to accept the updated terms to continue using WhatsApp. Users in Europe and the UK will see a different message due to data protection rules in these jurisdictions.
However, WhatsApp messages are encrypted, which means Facebook will not be able to see their content. But WhatsApp collects many other data that can be shared with its parent company.
This information includes account registration information, such as your phone number, transaction data, service-related information, information about how you interact with others, including companies when you use the service, and information about mobile devices.
In a statement Monday, WhatsApp said the update does not affect the privacy of messages sent to friends and family. It was clarified that the update will include “changes related to a company’s messaging on WhatsApp, which is optional, and provides more transparency about how we collect and use data.”
WhatsApp claims that data shared with Facebook is used to help improve infrastructure, promote security and refine services by making suggestions or customizing features and content. This could also include integration between Facebook and WhatsApp brand products.
Following the announcement, Tesla CEO Elon Musk last week urged his Twitter followers to “use Signal.”
Signal reported last week that verification codes sent to users via text messages to start using the app were delayed due to high demand. Signal said it added additional servers to be able to manage the influx of new users.
“We continue to break traffic records and increase capacity as more and more people accept how much they dislike Facebook’s new terms,” Signal said in a tweet. “If you were unable to create a new group recently, please try again. The new servers are ready to serve you.”
Despite the increase in Signal and Telegram downloads, WhatsApp has not seen a decline, according to Adam Blacker, vice president of reports for Apptopia.
“It’s too ingrained. I guess there are a very small number of people who use WhatsApp on a daily basis and have recently deleted it,” Blacker told CNBC via email.
“Even those who download and use Signal or Telegram will continue to use WhatsApp, as this is where most of their friends and family are. They may start talking to certain people on Signal, but they still chat with their sea on WhatsApp “.