Fact Check: "Signal retains only your phone number and last active time, ensuring privacy."
What We Know
Signal is a messaging application that emphasizes user privacy through end-to-end encryption. According to its Terms of Service & Privacy Policy, Signal does not collect or store sensitive information, and it explicitly states that messages and calls cannot be accessed by Signal or third parties. Users must register using their phone number, which is necessary for account creation and verification. However, the app has recently introduced features that enhance privacy regarding phone numbers. As of February 2024, Signal allows users to create unique usernames to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers, although the phone number is still required for account registration (Keep your phone number private with Signal usernames).
Analysis
The claim that "Signal retains only your phone number and last active time" is partially true. While it is accurate that Signal requires a phone number for account creation, the assertion that it retains only the last active time is misleading. Signal does not explicitly state that it retains last active time as part of its data collection practices. Instead, it focuses on not collecting or storing sensitive information, which implies that user activity data is not retained in a way that compromises privacy (Terms of Service & Privacy Policy).
Moreover, the introduction of usernames allows users to engage with others without exposing their phone numbers, which further supports the notion that Signal prioritizes user privacy. However, the requirement of a phone number for account creation means that some personal information is still retained, albeit in a limited capacity (Keep your phone number private with Signal usernames).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they come directly from Signal's official documentation and blog posts, which are authoritative on the subject of their privacy practices. However, it is essential to note that while Signal emphasizes privacy, the necessity of a phone number for registration inherently involves some level of data retention.
Conclusion
The verdict is Partially True. Signal does retain your phone number as part of the registration process, but it does not retain sensitive information like last active time, nor does it sell or monetize user data. The introduction of usernames enhances privacy by allowing users to connect without sharing their phone numbers. However, the claim oversimplifies the data retention practices of Signal, as it does not clarify the nuances of what information is retained and how it is used.
