Downloads of messenger apps Signal and Telegram got a boost as WhatsApp announced it would share user data with parent Facebook.
Signal and Telegram are more privacy-focused messenger apps and offer end-to-end encryption for their services.
In the wake of the privacy update, Signal installs jumped 7.5 million on the Apple App Store and Google Play according to Sensor Tower data, marking a rise of 43x from the week before.
Telegram downloads surged to 5.6 million found Apptopia.
The WhatsApp update takes effect on February 8th. From then on, US users will need to accept the conditions to continue to use the app. European and UK users will be protected by local data laws.
We want to address some rumors and be 100% clear we continue to protect your private messages with end-to-end encryption. pic.twitter.com/6qDnzQ98MP
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 12, 2021
However, the changes are unlikely to impact the app on a larger scale. While a users may adopt Signal and Co, they are likely to continue to use WhatsApp.
WhatsApp provided a statement to clarify that the update would not affect the privacy of messages shared between users.
