Signal has introduced a beta rollout allowing users to create custom usernames for connecting with others while protecting their phone number privacy.
Signal still requires a phone number when registering for the app.
Users can choose to share a unique username or QR code instead of their phone number when connecting with others on Signal. Usernames are currently in beta and will be available to all users in the coming weeks.
Signal, the end-to-end encrypted messaging app, has introduced a beta rollout allowing users to create custom usernames for connecting with others while protecting their phone number privacy. This update follows a public test phase in a staging environment separate from the stable Signal messaging service and is part of Signal's efforts to improve phone number privacy for its users.
With this new feature, users can choose to share a unique username or QR code instead of their phone number when connecting with others on Signal. Usernames are currently in beta and will be available to all users in the coming weeks. However, Signal still requires a phone number when registering for the app.
To create a username, go into your Profile settings and choose a unique name with two or more numbers at the end of it. You can change or delete your username at any time. Once you create a username, your phone number will no longer be visible in Signal if they don't already have it saved in their contacts.
Signal is also introducing a new privacy setting that lets you control who can find you on the app using your phone number. This feature was previously unavailable.
These updates are designed to allow users to conceal their phone numbers as they communicate on the app and instead share a username as a less-sensitive method of connecting with one another, making Signal more privacy-focused than ever before.
Up until now, Signal required users to share their phone number to chat with others on the app
`Usernames` are currently in beta and will be available to all users in the coming weeks
Signal still requires a phone number when registering for the app⟨
Once you create a username, your phone number will no longer be visible in Signal if they don't already have it saved in their contacts⟨
To create a username, go into your
Profile
settings and choose a unique name with two or more numbers at the end of it. You can change or delete your username at any time
Signal is also introducing a new privacy setting that lets you control who can find you on the app using your phone number⟨. This feature was previously unavailable
Accuracy
✓Signal still requires a phone number when registering for the app✔
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive because it does not disclose the sources of its claims and quotes. It also uses emotional manipulation by implying that Signal has stronger security and privacy features than other messaging apps, which may be false or exaggerated. The article also omits any mention of potential drawbacks or limitations of usernames, such as how they might affect group chats or the ability to search for users. Additionally, the article does not provide any evidence or data to support its assertion that Signal is closing one of the few loopholes that could allow hackers access to a victim's messages.
Once you create a username, your phone number will no longer be visible in Signal to anyone running the latest version of the app if they don’t already have it saved in their contacts. This is deceptive because the article does not explain how users can verify or confirm that their phone numbers are indeed hidden from other users, nor does it address any potential issues or problems with this feature.
Signal also says that user names in Signal do not function like usernames on social media platforms. This is deceptive because the article does not define what a username functions like on a social media platform, nor does it explain why Signal's version is different or better than others.
Signal is launching usernames, the company announced today.
Signal still requires a phone number when registering for the app. This is deceptive because the article does not explain why Signal needs to have access to users' phone numbers, nor does it address any potential risks or privacy issues associated with providing such information. It also suggests that having a phone number is necessary for using Signal, which may not be accurate.
The company says it created usernames to be easily changeable so that you can choose to make a specific username for things like a conference or a group trip, and then change it once it’s over. This is deceptive because the article does not explain why someone would want or need to create different usernames for different events or occasions, nor does it provide any examples of how this might benefit users.
The company says it created usernames to be easily changeable so that you can choose to make a specific username for things like a conference or a group trip, and then change it once it’s over. This is deceptive because the article does not provide any information on how users can create or manage multiple usernames, nor does it explain why someone would need to do so. It also implies that creating different usernames for each event or occasion is a desirable feature of Signal, which may not be true for all users.
To create a username, go into your “Profile” settings. From there, choose a unique username that has two or more numbers at the end of it. You can change your username as often as you want, and you also have the choice to delete your username altogether if you don’t want one anymore. This is deceptive because the article does not provide any instructions or guidance on how to use these settings, nor does it mention any potential consequences or risks of changing or deleting usernames.
To start chatting with someone via their username, you need to open the “New Chat” screen in the app and type in their username. This is deceptive because the article does not explain how users can find or remember usernames of other users, nor does it mention any potential difficulties or limitations of using this feature.
If you create a username, your profile name will still display whatever you set it to, and won’t show your username. This is deceptive because the article does not clarify what happens when users change their usernames or how this affects their profile names. It also implies that using a username instead of a phone number will make users more anonymous or private, which may not be true.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Signal is one of the strongest security and privacy messaging apps without providing any evidence or data to support this claim. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by suggesting that users have only two options for keeping their phone number private: either they give it out or use usernames. The article also contains an example of inflammatory rhetoric when the author describes hackers as being able to
Bias
(85%)
The author of the article is Aisha Malik and she has a history of promoting Signal as having strong security and privacy features. In this article, she presents usernames as an additional feature that will help users keep their phone numbers private while still being able to connect with others on the app without sharing their number. The author also mentions how hackers can hijack phone numbers at the carrier level used to register with Signal which could potentially gain access to a victim's messages. This is an example of religious bias as it implies that there are certain groups or individuals who may be more vulnerable to this type of attack.
Up until now, you have had to give someone your phone number to chat with them on Signal.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Aisha Malik has a conflict of interest on the topics of Signal and Instagram as she is an author for TechCrunch which covers these topics.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (0%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of end-to-end encryption as they are an employee at Signal. They also have a personal relationship with the company and may be hesitant to report negatively on it.
Signal has launched a set of features to improve phone number privacy for its users.
Users can now choose to share a unique username or QR code instead of their phone number when connecting with others on Signal.
`Usernames` are currently in beta and will be available to all users in the coming weeks
✓Signal still requires a phone number when registering for the app✓
Once you create a username, your phone number will no longer be visible in Signal if they don't already have it saved in their contacts.
To create a username`, go into your nProfile✟ settings and choose a unique name with two or more numbers at the end of it. You can change or delete your username at any time
✓Signal is also introducing a new privacy setting that lets you control who can find you on the app using your phone numberߩ.
End-to-end encrypted messaging app Signal has introduced a beta rollout allowing users to create custom usernames for connecting with others while protecting their phone number privacy
✓We're launching these updates to our beta users now, and will be turning them on for everyone running the latest version of the Signal app soonߩ.
After installing the client beta version on your computer or mobile device, users can create a username in Settings ◶ Profile (with two numbers at the end)
✓Because Apple caps the total number of iOS beta testers, Signal has already reached that limit for this beta test phase, but you can get around this by signing up for the macOS Desktop beta if you're an iOS Signal userߩ.
Once you've set up your new username, you no longer have to disclose your phone number and can share a unique link or QR code with people you want to start a quick chat with
✓Usernames are not displayed on your Signal profile and can be changed as often as needed or even removed altogether if desiredߩ.
You can also enable a new, optional privacy setting, requiring those who want to connect with you on Signal to use the username instead of your phone number
Accuracy
Signal still requires a phone number when registering for the app
`Usernames` do not function as logins or handles, but rather as a quick way to connect with someone without sharing your phone number
Deception
(80%)
The article describes how Signal is finally rolling out a set of features that allow users to conceal their phone numbers as they communicate on the app and instead share a username. This change addresses one of the most persistent criticisms of Signal's design: its use of phone numbers for identification purposes. The new privacy protections include three changes, one setting that is now switched on by default and two opt-in features. Firstly, your phone number will no longer be visible in your Signal profile unless someone already has the number saved in their phone book. Secondly, you can choose to create and share a unique username or QR code containing it with anyone you want to connect with. Thirdly, there is an opt-in setting for higher risk users that allows them to turn off not just their number's visibility but its discoverability.
Your phone number will no longer be visible in your Signal profile unless someone already has the number saved in their phone book.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article discusses the new phone number privacy features that Signal has implemented to address criticism of its design. The use of phone numbers as a means of identification is problematic for many users who want to keep their personal information private. The new features allow users to choose whether or not they want their phone number visible in their profile and also allows them to create unique usernames that can be used instead of phone numbers for communication purposes.
The use of phone numbers as a means of identification is problematic for many users who want to keep their personal information private.
Bias
(85%)
The article discusses the new phone number privacy features that Signal has implemented to address criticism of its design. The use of phone numbers as a means of identification and connection on the app was seen as problematic by many users who wanted to keep their private information hidden. The new features allow users to choose whether or not they want their phone number visible in their profile, and also provide an option for creating unique usernames that can be used instead of phone numbers. This change is a significant improvement for privacy advocates and will make it easier for people who need to communicate with untrusted individuals without revealing sensitive information.
The new features allow users to choose whether or not they want their phone number visible in their profile
This change is a significant improvement for privacy advocates
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest with the topic of Signal as they are reporting on it for WIRED which is owned by Condé Nast. Additionally, there may be conflicts of interest between the author and Meredith Whittaker who was previously an employee at Google and now works at ProPublica.
The article also notes that WIRED is owned by Condé Nast, which has its own interests in the tech industry. This could create conflicts of interest for the author as they report on topics related to privacy concerns.
The article mentions that Signal has been under scrutiny for its ties to Facebook parent company Meta, which owns WhatsApp. This could be seen as a conflict of interest between the author's reporting on Signal and their previous work covering Meredith Whittaker at ProPublica.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of phone number privacy as they work for WIRED which is owned by Condé Nast. Additionally, the article mentions Meredith Whittaker who was previously an employee at Google and worked on Project Dragonfly which aimed to censor information in China.
The author works for WIRED, a company that has been criticized for its ties to corporate interests.
, The feature lets you add an optional username that will allow you to connect with others without sharing your phone number with them.
Up until now, Signal required users to share their phone number to chat with others on the app
You can create a unique username by heading to your settings and selecting Profile.
Other users can also connect with you by typing your username into the new chat bar and sending a message.
Accuracy
Signal is rolling out support for usernames on its encrypted messaging service over the next few weeks.
<br>The feature lets you add an optional username that will allow you to connect with others without sharing your phone number with them.
<br>Signal first started testing usernames last fall.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive because it does not disclose that the usernames feature is still in beta and may change or be removed. It also implies that sharing your username instead of your phone number will make messaging more private, but does not explain how this would work or what risks are involved. Additionally, the article uses emotional language such as 'rolling out' and 'offer a way for people to quickly connect' without providing any evidence or context for these claims.
The feature, which is still in beta, lets you add an optional username that will allow you to connect with others without sharing your phone number with them.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing the chief product officer of Signal as a source. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing how someone will need to know your exact unique username in order to start a chat with you on Signal.
> Randall Sarafa, the chief product officer at Signal, writes in a post announcing the feature's rollout. <br> > Aside from usernames, Signal is rolling out a couple of other handy security features...
Bias
(85%)
The author has a clear bias towards the new feature of Signal allowing users to share usernames instead of phone numbers. The language used in the article is positive and enthusiastic about this change.
> You can create a username by heading to your settings and selecting Profile.<br>Other users can also connect with you by typing your username into the new chat bar and sending a message.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Emma Roth has a conflict of interest on the topics of Signal and privacy concerns as she is an author for The Verge which is owned by Vox Media. Vox Media has financial ties to companies in the tech industry that may be affected by changes made to Signal's usernames feature.
Emma Roth writes about a new feature on Signal, which allows users to share their username instead of phone number.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Emma Roth has a conflict of interest on the topics of Signal and privacy concerns as she is an author for The Verge which is owned by Vox Media. Emma Roth also has a personal relationship with Randall Sarafa who was previously involved in Facebook's data breach scandal.
Emma Roth writes for The Verge, which is owned by Vox Media.
, Previously, Signal users had to expose their phone number when trying to chat with others on the app.
Signal is removing phone numbers from all user profiles unless they are already saved in your phone's contacts.
Accuracy
Up until now, Signal required users to share their phone number to chat with others on the app
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article suggests that Signal Messaging App has finally offered usernames which would give people a more private way to connect on the encrypted messaging app. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that users can now use their own unique username instead of exposing their phone number when trying to chat with others on the app. In reality, Signal users still have to expose their phone number and only registered user handles will be shareable through QR codes and links.
The title of the article suggests that Signal Messaging App has finally offered usernames which would give people a more private way to connect on the encrypted messaging app. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that users can now use their own unique username instead of exposing their phone number when trying to chat with others on the app.
The article states that Signal is removing phone numbers from all user profiles unless the number is already saved in your phone's contacts. This statement suggests that users have control over whether they want people to be able to find them by their phone number or not, but this is not entirely true as new users still need to submit a phone number to open an account on Signal.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Signal's developers have been working on the username feature since 2019 without providing any evidence or context for this claim. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by suggesting that users must choose between sharing their phone number and not being able to connect with others on Signal. This is not true as there are other ways to communicate with people on the app without revealing your phone number.
The article states that Signal's developers have been working on the username feature since 2019, but no evidence or context for this claim is provided.
Bias
(80%)
The article discusses the new feature of Signal Messaging App that allows users to use usernames instead of phone numbers for connecting with others on the app. This is a positive step towards more privacy as it reduces exposure of sensitive information such as phone numbers. However, there are some potential biases in the way this change has been presented.
The article mentions that Signal users had to expose their 'phone number' which is a loaded term and can be seen as implying negative connotations.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Michael Kan has a conflict of interest with Signal Messaging App as he is an author for PCMag.com which covers technology news and reviews.
End-to-end encrypted messaging app Signal has introduced a beta rollout allowing users to create custom usernames for connecting with others while protecting their phone number privacy
`Because Apple caps the total number of iOS beta testers, Signal has already reached that limit for this beta test phase, but you can get around this by signing up for the macOS Desktop beta if you're an iOS Signal user`
aYou no longer have to disclose your phone number and can share a unique link or QR code with people you want to start a quick chat with⼾
Accuracy
aUsernames are not displayed on your Signal profile and can be changed as often as needed or even removed altogether if desired
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing Sergiu Gatlan as the author without providing any evidence of his expertise or qualifications in the topic. Additionally, there is a dichotomous depiction of phone number privacy and disclosure when it is stated that users can choose not to share their phone number but still need it for registration.
Sergiu Gatlan
End-to-end encrypted messaging app Signal finally allows users to pick custom usernames
Bias
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author of the article has a conflict of interest with Signal as they are an employee and have written multiple articles about the company. The author also mentions Meredith Whittaker who is known for her criticism towards Apple which could affect their coverage on Signal.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Signal as they are an employee at Apple. The article mentions Meredith Whittaker who is also an employee at Apple and was involved in the development of Signal.
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