Signal for Android officially hit Google's Play Store on Monday, bringing the completion of combining simple private calling and messaging into one app, Open Whisper Systems announced.
The software group Open Whisper Systems started combining TextSecure (private texts) and RedPhone (private calls) on iPhone last year. The privacy-focused firm introduced TextSecure and RedPhone on Android in 2010 as two separate apps. Now Android community can enjoy the privacy with Signal, a single calling and texting encryption app.
According to Wired, Moxie Marlinspike, founder of Open Whisper Systems, said, "Mostly this was just about complexity. It's easier to get people to install one app than two." Marlinspike added that "merging them together to make the experience a little nicer."
The privacy-focused group wrote on its blog that TextSecure users will receive an update over the next few days. The update will bring the new name, Signal, and the ability to make and receive private calls from other Signal users. Original functionalities of TextSecure will still be there. Meanwhile, RedPhone users will be prompted to download the new Signal app and uninstall the old RedPhone app.
The app doesn't require any login, username, passwords or PINS, instead it uses your phone number to register. The company boasts of knowing scarcely anything about the users, as the app is encrypted end-to-end to keep the communications safe.
Recently, Line has also added end-to-end encryption to its messaging app. What's App, iMessage and Telegram already have this option.
While privacy-conscious individuals enjoy the Signal app, FBI is reportedly not happy. According to Wired, FBI director James Comey has warned that encryption programs, like Signal, can bring in dangers to public safety. It is feared that the growing use of encryption gives opportunity for terrorism and makes surveillance more challenging. As a result, Law Enforcement is reportedly recommending more informants as a solution.
