Signal

Signal, the privacy conscious messaging app preferred by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, has introduced encrypted video calling.

Developed by the non-profit organisation Open Whisper Systems, and led by former Twitter security engineer Moxie Marlinspike, Signal has helped to set the standards for end-to-end encryption.


Now, the app has introduced video calling to its app as a beta feature, which is due to roll out to all users in the future. WIRED has been unable to access the update on iOS in the UK but it is expected to roll out gradually across regions. The update is also available on Android devices.

"This represents an entirely new calling infrastructure for Signal, and should increase voice call quality as well," Signal says in a blog post.

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As well as video, Open Whisper Systems said it has improved the voice calling enabled on its app. It now uses Apple's CallKit on iPhones – meaning calls can be answered from the lock screen.


However, those who are extra security conscious should ensure they turn-off CallKit's feature to sync metadata (the who, what, when and how) to iCloud as this could store the details of who called.

“iOS treats CallKit calls like any other call, however that also means some information will be synced to iCloud if enabled,” Open Whisper Systems says. “This information includes who you called and how long you talked."

The uploading of this data, and ability to enable the new video and phone calling settings can be found in Signal' Settings, Advanced, and Video calling beta. This is the same on both iOS and Android devices and the new features will only work if both people have the updated app and settings turned on. Open Whisper Systems does say it will eventually give the features to all users as an opt-in or by default.


Open Whisper System's encryption code and protocols have been used by WhatsApp, Google and Facebook to introduce protected messages to some of their products. The encryption type works by using public and private keys that only allow the intended recipient to read a message. It isn't possible for the messaging service to access what has been sent between individuals or groups.

WhatsApp used Open Whisper Systems' code in its roll-out of encrypted messages to all of its one billion customers in 2016. And Facebook used the standards in the launch of its secret messages, which disappear after being read.

Google has also used Open Whisper Systems for the disappearing messages feature in its Allo app.