Signal Gains Popularity After Security Incident
Moxie Marlinspike, the founder of Signal, humorously referred to the recent incident as “Signalgate,” highlighting one of the various advantages of using the app. The unexpected disclosure of sensitive U.S. military strategies among key Trump officials during a group chat not only revealed vulnerabilities in security but also brought the attention of a wider audience to Signal, the encryption-based messaging platform central to the incident.
Within days, the app experienced a dramatic surge in interest, with downloads on platforms like the App Store and Google Play spiking significantly. Data from Appfigures indicates a staggering 299 percent increase in worldwide downloads over the previous three months, totaling 8.8 million, a significant rise from the prior year. The first quarter of 2023 saw 1.48 million new downloads, which climbed to 2.21 million in the same quarter in 2024.
Revelations Spark Surge in Downloads
On March 24, Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, reported that he had been unintentionally added to a Signal group chat where prominent government figures, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, were discussing military strategies against the Yemeni Houthis. This revelation marked a pivotal moment for Signal, leading to unprecedented growth for the app.
Immediately following the report’s publication, downloads soared. On March 24 alone, global downloads reached 119,000, marking an increase of over 33 percent from the previous day. The numbers further rose to 193,000 on March 25 and hit 195,000 on March 26, demonstrating the immediate impact of the incident.
Promotional Opportunities Arise for Signal
The incident presented a unique opportunity for Signal’s leadership, including founder Moxie Marlinspike, to draw attention to the app. In a lighthearted post on social media, Marlinspike referred to “the vice president of the United States randomly adding you to a group chat for sensitive military operations” as one of the notable reasons to use Signal. This unexpected publicity has turned into an effective promotional tool for the application.
Future Outlook for Signal
Founded in 2014 by Marlinspike, Signal operates as a free-to-use platform, funded entirely by donations to its nonprofit parent organization. The Signal Foundation, which has managed the app since 2018, began with an initial investment of $50 million from Brian Acton, a WhatsApp co-founder.
The rise in popularity is expected to lead to an increase in necessary donations for the organization. In a prior blog post, the foundation’s president, Meredith Whittaker, noted that to sustain operations by 2025, the app would require approximately $50 million annually due to rising infrastructure and staffing expenses. In 2023, the foundation’s expenditures reached $35.8 million, as indicated by the latest available tax filings.
