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Hong Kong national security law
AbacusTech

What is Signal, and why is it suddenly popular in Hong Kong?

  • The messaging app saw a surge in downloads after a new national security law came into force
  • End-to-end encryption is a key feature of the privacy-conscious app

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Encrypted messaging app Signal has seen a surge in downloads in Hong Kong following the implementation of a new national security law. Photo: Chris Chang
Karen Chiu

Signal is the new app of the moment in Hong Kong.

Since June 30, the city’s residents have been flocking to the messaging app, driving it to the top spot on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play. It also saw a surge in American users who organised and participated in Black Lives Matter protests nationwide.

Here’s what you need to know about the hot privacy-conscious app.

Encryption for everyone, not just the tech-savvy 

Signal was created by American cryptographer and Twitter’s former head of security Moxie Marlinspike. His goal was to build an easy-to-use digital tool that helps ordinary people keep their communications secure.

The free app is developed by a non-profit organisation supported entirely by grants and donations. Over the years, it has received close to US$3 million from the Open Technology Fund run by the US Agency for Global Media, the government agency that also oversees Voice of America.

Signal boasts millions of daily users, with US whistle-blower Edward Snowden among them. The European Commission also told its staff to switch to Signal earlier this year.

The app has already been blocked in some countries such as Egypt, Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. Surprisingly, it still works in mainland China… for now.

Why are Hongkongers turning to Signal?

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