1. Use of Signal and acceptance of terms
Installing or using Signal apps, services, or related web services is subject to Signal’s Terms of Service. Those terms govern access to the service, acceptable use, account responsibilities, intellectual property, service limitations, dispute rules, and other legal conditions.
If a user does not agree with the applicable terms, the stated remedy is to stop using the service.
2. Minimum age and account registration
Signal states that users must be at least 13 years old, although a higher minimum age may apply in some countries when parental approval is required. Account registration requires a phone number, and the user must have the right to use that number.
Registration may involve receiving verification codes by text message or phone call from Signal or a third-party provider.
3. Acceptable and lawful use
Signal requires the service to be used only for legal, authorized, and acceptable purposes. Users must not violate the rights of Signal, other users, or third parties, including privacy, publicity, intellectual property, or other proprietary rights.
The terms also prohibit illegal or impermissible communications such as unauthorized bulk messaging, auto-messaging, and auto-dialing, as well as unauthorized access, automated account creation, disruption of service integrity, unauthorized collection of user information, or resale of the service.
4. Account and device security
Signal is designed so the service cannot access the contents of end-to-end encrypted messages. That design does not remove the user’s responsibility to keep devices and accounts secure.
If a phone is lost or replaced, users may need to re-register Signal. Registering on a new primary device causes the previous device to stop receiving new Signal messages and calls.
5. No access to emergency services
Signal is not a replacement for emergency calling services. Signal does not provide access to police, fire departments, hospitals, emergency dispatch, or other public-safety organizations.
Users should maintain another means of contacting emergency services, such as a mobile telephone, fixed-line telephone, or another service that supports emergency calling.
6. Third-party services
Signal may allow users to interact with third-party websites, apps, content, or services. When a user chooses to use those external services, the third party’s own terms and privacy practices apply.
Signal’s terms do not make Signal responsible for controlling how third parties operate their independent products or services.
7. Service availability and changes
Signal does not guarantee uninterrupted availability. Service can be affected by maintenance, upgrades, network failures, equipment failures, software changes, or other operational conditions.
Signal may discontinue some or all services, features, device support, or platform support. Users should not assume that every feature or supported system will remain available indefinitely.
8. “As is” service disclaimer
Signal’s Terms state that the services are provided on an “as is” basis without express or implied warranties. This includes warranties such as merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, non-infringement, and freedom from harmful code.
Signal also does not warrant that information it provides will always be accurate, complete, or useful, or that the service will always be operational, error-free, secure, safe, uninterrupted, or free from delays and imperfections.
9. User and third-party actions
Signal does not control how or when users choose to use the service and does not accept responsibility for the actions, information, or content of other users or third parties.
End-to-end encryption protects communication in transit between participants, but it does not prevent a recipient from copying, photographing, forwarding, or otherwise preserving content after receiving it. Device compromise and social engineering can also create risks outside the encryption layer.
10. Limitation of liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Signal’s Terms exclude liability for lost profits and consequential, special, punitive, indirect, or incidental damages connected with the service or the terms.
The Terms also state that the aggregate liability of Signal parties for claims connected with the service or terms will not exceed US$100. Some jurisdictions do not allow every exclusion or limitation, so the applicable legal limit may differ depending on local law.
11. Disputes and governing law
Signal’s Terms state that disputes relating to the terms, Signal, or the service are to be resolved exclusively in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California or a state court located in San Mateo County, California.
The Terms identify California law as the governing law, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Local mandatory legal protections may still affect how particular provisions apply.
12. Suspension, termination, and service restrictions
A user may end the relationship with Signal by deleting the app and discontinuing use of the service. Signal may also modify, suspend, or terminate access when a user violates the terms or when continued access creates harm, risk, or possible legal exposure.
Signal also reserves the right to limit service availability in countries where distribution or use would violate applicable law or create regulatory obligations identified in its Terms.
13. Software updates and device support
Signal may provide software updates to introduce features, improve functionality, or maintain compatibility and security. By using the service, users consent to downloading and installing updates described in the Terms.
Support for specific devices, operating systems, or platforms can change over time, so continued access may require using a supported software and device environment.
14. Data, carrier, and connectivity costs
Signal itself does not remove charges imposed by a mobile carrier, internet provider, or device platform. Users remain responsible for data usage, mobile carrier charges, taxes, or similar costs associated with the devices and networks used to access Signal.
15. Changes to Signal’s terms
Signal may update its Terms of Service from time to time. When terms are revised, Signal states that the Last Modified information will be updated and continued use will confirm acceptance of the revised terms.
Because service features and legal requirements can change, users should rely on the current governing terms when making decisions that depend on legal rights, responsibilities, or service limitations.
16. Legal questions
Signal lists [email protected] for specific questions about its Terms. Questions about local legal rights, enforceability, liability, or jurisdiction may require advice from a qualified professional familiar with the law that applies to the user.