Signal Privacy Summary
Signal is an end-to-end encrypted messaging app focused on privacy, offering text, voice, and video communication with minimal data collection.
Quick Summary
Signal collects the absolute minimum data needed to operate — just your phone number, optional end-to-end encrypted profile details, and technical routing tokens. Message content is always end-to-end encrypted and inaccessible to Signal. No ads, no data monetization, ever.
Why You Should Care About Signal's Privacy Practices
- Signal collects almost no personal data — just your phone number and technical routing tokens, never your message content.
- All communications are end-to-end encrypted; not even Signal employees can read your messages or listen to calls.
- Signal explicitly commits to never selling, renting, or monetizing your data in any way — ever.
- Main risk: your phone number ties your account to your real identity; in-app services like Giphy and Spotify operate under their own privacy policies.
Why Low Exposure?
- Collects 7 types of personal data
- 4 concerning practices identified
- Shares data with 3 third parties
- No behavioral advertising
- 3 tracking methods used
- 5 user control options available
Privacy Highlights
What They Collect
- Phone number (required for registration)
- Profile name and picture (optional, end-to-end encrypted)
- Authentication tokens and push tokens (technical, for message routing)
- Hashed contact list (cryptographically hashed, to identify Signal users in your contacts)
How They Share Data
- Third-party SMS providers (send verification code on registration)
- Legal authorities (when required by law, regulation, or governmental request)
- In-app third-party services — YouTube, Spotify, Giphy (governed by their own policies when used)
Data Retention
Messages are temporarily queued on servers for delivery to offline devices only — not stored permanently. Message history lives on your device only. Technical tokens retained only as long as needed to operate the service.
Your Rights
- Manage and update profile information in app Settings
- Enable Registration Lock PIN for additional account security
- Delete account by uninstalling the app
- Opt out of contact discovery by not granting contacts permission
Detailed Analysis
Concerning Practices
- Phone number required for registration — ties account to real-world identity
- Third-party SMS providers receive your phone number during verification
- In-app services (Giphy, Spotify, YouTube) operate under their own privacy policies when accessed
- Data may be shared with authorities in response to valid legal requests
Personal Data Types
Tracking Methods
Third Parties
User Controls
Frequently Asked Questions About Signal
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Legal Disclaimer
This analysis is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as legal advice. Privacy Exposure ratings and summaries are AI-generated assessments based on publicly available privacy policies — they are not statements of fact and may contain errors. Learn how ratings are determined. Consult with legal professionals for matters requiring legal guidance.