Signal and Telegram Surge as Users Flee WhatsApp's Privacy Changes
The upcoming changes to WhatsApp's privacy policy have sparked a surge in users for rival messaging apps Signal and Telegram. Signal has seen remarkable growth, while Telegram has also gained significantly.
Signal's rise to prominence can be attributed to its simplicity and strong focus on privacy. This has drawn users concerned about WhatsApp's new policy, which was initially set to take effect in February 2021 but was deferred due to user backlash. Signal's appeal extends to high-profile figures like Edward Snowden, the Black Lives Matter Foundation, and even Melania Trump, who have endorsed its secure communication features.
Telegram, too, has benefited from the controversy. It claimed to have gained 100 million new users in May 2021 alone, citing WhatsApp's impending privacy changes. In Q1 2021, Telegram ranked third in app downloads and second in monthly active users (MAUs). Meanwhile, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook led the charts in downloads, consumer spend, and MAUs respectively. In India, MX Takatak, an Indian alternative to TikTok, was the fastest-growing app by downloads in the same period.
The upcoming WhatsApp privacy policy has driven users to seek alternatives, with Signal and Telegram emerging as popular choices. While WhatsApp deferred its policy update, the concern about privacy remains, indicating that users are likely to continue exploring and using these secure messaging platforms.
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