As of the moment, without further updates coming from Signal itself, it appears that the app is officially down. However, the scope of Signal being down is still quite immeasurable as there isn't confirmation as to whether all of the users are experiencing problems or just a few of them.
Signal down detector
According to Down Detector that had shown above 2,000 reports coming from certain users who are reportedly experiencing issues when it comes to the encrypted messaging platform by around 11:40 ET. There were a number of Insider staff members who reportedly also experienced certain issues in sending as well as receiving messages on both the desktop and mobile apps.
In a recent Tweet, Signal had acknowledged this issue saying the company is now working hard in order to restore the services to users as fast as possible. The company also said a little later that it has been adding some new servers as well as extra capacity at a record pace releasing every single day as of this week nonstop.
Signal down app status
Why is signal not working? They also stated that as of today, the number of users had exceeded even their most optimistic projections. It was reported that millions and millions of brand new users are all sending a message that privacy does matter. The company says that they appreciate the users' patience.
According to the story by Business Insider, the issue actually comes after Signal had seen record increases in its users over the span of the recent weeks. Over on January 7, WhatsApp had announced that it would actually start forcing its users to hand over their personal data including phone numbers and locations to its parent company, Facebook, this coming February 8.
Elon Musk promotes Signal
After the announcement, a number of users have started fleeing towards another alternative messaging app like Telegram. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, however, tweeted around the very same time saying users should "Use Signal" which has also been one of the causes of the sudden surge in users.
Signal has seen about 7.5 million downloads just last week which is a whopping 4,200% spike ever since the previous week. On Wednesday, Signal was reportedly at the very top of both Apple and Google's app stores.
Read Also: WhatsApp Users' Mobile Numbers from Desktop App Found Via Indexing on Google Search
Users leave WhatsApp
A large swath of certain users started to migrate to Telegram. The app reportedly gained a whopping 9 million new users as of last week. This is 91% up from the week before. Telegram is now also at the top spot with Signal on Google and Apple's app stores.
Brian Acton, the WhatsApp cofounder as well as executive chairman of the official Signal Foundation stated that Signal will not replace WhatsApp despite the recent events. Brian Acton told TechCrunch in a recent interview that he has no desire to do all of the many things that WhatsApp is doing.
Instead, the executive chairman says that there is still space in the whole market for both of the apps, with people still relying on Signal to connect with certain close family and friends and WhatsApp can be used for the outer circles.
Related Article: Signal App Security Setting: How to Make Safe Even Safer
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Urian Buenconsejo
