Signal, the encrypted messaging platform, announced in a blog post that it estimates it will need $50 million a year to operate by 2025. The figure is considered lean compared to other popular messaging apps that do not prioritize user privacy. Instead of monetizing surveillance, Signal is currently supported by donations, including a generous initial loan from Brian Acton, the co-founder of WhatsApp. The company’s goal is to become fully supported by small donors, relying on modest contributions from people who care about Signal.
According to the company, this funding model is the safest in terms of sustainability, ensuring accountability to the users and avoiding any single point of funding failure. Signal also rejects the widespread practice of monetizing surveillance, positioning itself as a privacy-focused alternative to other messaging platforms.
In addition to its funding model, Signal is currently testing usernames for accounts, allowing people to connect on the app without sharing their phone numbers. The official release of this feature is planned for early 2024, as announced by Signal president Meredith Whittaker. This move is seen as a further step in ensuring user privacy and security on the platform.
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