Independent nonprofit
Signal is operated by a nonprofit organization rather than an advertising company or a business built around selling access to user behavior.
ABOUT SIGNAL
Building technology for private communication
Signal exists to make private communication practical and accessible. Its work combines an independent nonprofit structure, open-source software, and privacy-preserving technology so people can communicate without an advertising business model built on their conversations or behavior.
01
Mission
Make private communication available to people everywhere.
02
Organization
Operate as an independent nonprofit focused on communication privacy.
03
Technology
Develop open-source privacy technology that can be examined and improved.
Why Signal is built differently
Signal’s organizational model and technical choices are designed to support the same goal: communication that does not depend on advertising, behavioral tracking, or access to the contents of private conversations.
Private communication is the product goal
Signal is designed so messages and calls are protected with end-to-end encryption. The service does not need access to the contents of those conversations to deliver its core communication features. That privacy requirement influences how Signal approaches product development, infrastructure, and the information it chooses not to collect.
Open-source development
Signal publishes source code for its clients and server software, allowing interested researchers and developers to examine how the technology is designed.
No advertising model
Signal does not use in-app advertising or affiliate marketing as the basis for funding its communication service.
Privacy by design
Privacy is treated as a system requirement, influencing encryption, data handling, product decisions, and the way communication features are built.
How Signal supports its mission
The organization combines nonprofit governance, open technology, and community support to keep private communication at the center of long-term development.
Nonprofit structure
Signal Technology Foundation is organized as a nonprofit. That structure separates the project from the investor and advertising incentives that shape many consumer technology businesses.
Open privacy technology
The Signal Protocol and Signal software are developed in the open. Publishing code and technical work makes it possible for others to inspect the systems used to protect private communication.
Supported by donations
Signal is supported by grants and donations rather than targeted advertising. Contributions help fund infrastructure, development, and the operation of a global communication service.
Use Signal for private communication
Install Signal when you want messaging and calling backed by a nonprofit organization focused on privacy rather than advertising.