Signal Messenger Foundation

United States

Signal is an open‐source encrypted messaging platform that enables secure communications through end‐to‐end encryption. It supports private messaging as well as voice and video calls, with a strong commitment to user privacy and minimal data retention.

CCI Score

44.55

-0.03% April 18

Latest Event

Signal Foundation’s Role in Secure Political Communications

The ABC News article details how Signal was used by government officials, including figures from the Trump administration, for sensitive communications. While the usage has raised concerns regarding records retention and government transparency, Signal Foundation’s commitment to secure, private communications and ethical funding practices positions it as a counterforce against state surveillance and authoritarian oversight.

Take Action

So what can you do? Support Signal by shopping, spreading the word, or offering your support.

Shop Alternatives SEE ALL: Benzinga

Signal

Google
Use Your Voice OTHER TOOLS
Investigate
Share the Score SUPPORT CCI

DISSENTER

Signal Messenger Foundation is currently rated as a Dissenter.

+25 to +44 CCI Score

These companies are vocal in their opposition to authoritarian regimes. They publicly criticize oppressive policies and engage in advocacy efforts to promote accountability and transparency, even if their actions aren’t as extensive as those of Moral Leaders.

Latest Events

MAR

25

2025

Signal Foundation’s Role in Secure Political Communications
61.46

The ABC News article details how Signal was used by government officials, including figures from the Trump administration, for sensitive communications. While the usage has raised concerns regarding records retention and government transparency, Signal Foundation’s commitment to secure, private communications and ethical funding practices positions it as a counterforce against state surveillance and authoritarian oversight.
+40

Public and Political Behavior

March 26

Signal’s platform has been appropriated by government officials for off-the-record discussions, highlighting concerns in Public and Political Behavior. However, the Foundation itself maintains an independent stance, focusing on privacy and user security, which limits its direct political involvement.

What to know about Signal, which the Pentagon previously discouraged workers from using
+70

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 26

The Signal Foundation operates as a nonprofit organization funded largely by small donations, avoiding reliance on problematic funding sources. This ethical approach to business practices and transparency in operations supports its mission to uphold privacy and resistant democratic values.

What to know about Signal, which the Pentagon previously discouraged workers from using
+80

Technology and Services Impact

March 26

Signal’s provision of end-to-end encryption technology serves as a crucial tool for secure communication. The platform protects users from intrusive surveillance and censorship, thereby providing technical support that underpins the privacy rights essential in a democratic society.

What to know about Signal, which the Pentagon previously discouraged workers from using
MAY

14

2024

Allegations of US Government Ties Spark Political Smear Campaign
63.78

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has publicly accused Signal of having ties to US intelligence agencies, citing a $3 million grant from the US government's Open Technology Fund and associations of former Signal executives with government-related organizations. However, there is no evidence to support these claims, and such allegations appear to be a politically motivated attempt by a competitor to undermine Signal’s reputation as a staunch defender of user privacy and transparency.
+70

Public and Political Behavior

March 24

Signal Messenger Foundation maintains a strong commitment to user privacy and secure communications, aligning with anti-fascist values by prioritizing transparency and protecting civil liberties. The allegations by Telegram CEO, which claim that Signal is entwined with US government agencies, are unsubstantiated and appear to be a smear intended to discredit Signal's open-source, community-driven approach. This rating reflects the company's positive public and political behavior in standing against authoritarian misuse of technology, despite politically charged criticisms.

Telegram CEO claims rival Signal has ties to US government
DEC

03

2023

Signal Faces Financial Crisis Amid CIA Funding Cuts
36.44

An investigative article highlights Signal’s precarious financial position following the cessation of covert US intelligence funding, illustrating the complex legacy of its origins and its role in empowering secure communications for dissent in the face of authoritarian surveillance.
+10

Public and Political Behavior

March 24

Signal’s historical ties to covert US intelligence funding raise questions about its public and political behavior. While its current commitment to transparency and secure communication benefits activists and dissidents, its origins in secretive government support complicate its legacy from an anti-fascist perspective.

Signal Facing Collapse After CIA Cuts Funding
+80

Technology and Services Impact

March 24

Signal’s core technology—its robust encryption—empowers activists and dissidents by enabling secure communications. Despite its murky funding history, this technological impact plays a critical role in resisting authoritarian surveillance and protecting civil liberties, aligning strongly with anti-fascist values.

Signal Facing Collapse After CIA Cuts Funding
JAN

13

2021

Signal Foundation: Billionaire Funding and Political Stance Impact Secure Communications
16.52

The Forbes article discusses billionaire Brian Acton’s significant donation to the Signal Foundation and his public disavowal of Facebook’s ad-driven model. While Signal champions privacy and secure communications for activists and marginalized groups, concerns emerge over its lack of content moderation which has also attracted far‐right users. This event reflects the company’s politically charged positioning in an evolving digital landscape.
+30

Public and Political Behavior

March 24

Signal’s leadership, exemplified by Brian Acton’s public departure from traditional ad-based models and his outspoken criticism of Facebook, positions the company positively in terms of public and political behavior. His investment in Signal as a nonprofit reflects a commitment to privacy and a challenge to corporate exploitation, aligning with progressive ideals of transparent engagement.

Meet The Billionaires Behind Signal And Telegram, Two New Online Homes For Angry Conservatives
+20

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 24

Signal’s business practices emphasize robust user privacy and minimal data retention, marking a strong ethical commitment. However, the platform's reluctance to implement strict content moderation has raised concerns about inadvertently enabling extremist discourse. This dual dynamic reflects both a commitment to principled privacy and a shortfall in addressing potential harms.

Meet The Billionaires Behind Signal And Telegram, Two New Online Homes For Angry Conservatives
+25

Technology and Services Impact

March 24

The technological impact of Signal is underscored by its strong end-to-end encryption, which has become a critical tool for activists and journalists. Although this technology also provides a shield for extremist groups, its overall contribution to safeguarding privacy and resisting mass surveillance supports democratic freedoms.

Meet The Billionaires Behind Signal And Telegram, Two New Online Homes For Angry Conservatives