In an exclusive conversation with Signal's Chief Operating Officer, Aruna Harder WION decodes why Indians are now moving away from WhatsApp?

Exclusive | Aruna Harder: People care about their privacy

WhatsApp appeared to pull all stops to assure users that their privacy was the messenger apps priority. WhatsApp is currently on backfoot after its new privacy policy led to thousands of users choosing to switch to rival apps such as Telegram and Signal. On Sunday, Whatsapp put up status that had messages for its users.

"We are committed to your privacy", "WhatsApp can't read or listen to your personal conversations as they are end-to-end encrypted", "WhatsApp can't see your shared location", "WhatsApp doesn't share your contacts with Facebook"

These words were put by WhatsApp on its status.

The privacy policy changes from WhatsApp were to come into effect on February 8. Users were asked to accept the changes or the app was to be deleted from their phones.

However, following the backlash and exodus from its platform, WhatsApp said on Saturday that it was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-delays-privacy-policy-update-signal-faces-glitches-357021">delaying implementation of its policy</a>.

The messenger app has gone on a media blitzkrieg in recent days with ads in traditional media as well as online. The status update is part of that outreach.

Telegram and Signal have been the main beneficiaries of users' displeasure at WhatsApp. The downloads of both apps have skyrocketted. These apps are considered to be safer.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-delays-privacy-policy-update-signal-faces-glitches-357021">WhatsApp delays privacy policy update, Signal faces glitches</a>

After the spike in the download, Signal even faced technical issues for several days. It is being said that the crash is due to sudden spike in number of users. Telegram has not made a public declaration of such issue if ever the developers are facing it.

WhatsApp appeared to pull all stops to assure users that their privacy was the messenger apps priority. WhatsApp is currently on backfoot after its new privacy policy led to thousands of users choosing to switch to rival apps such as Telegram and Signal.

WhatsApp appeared to pull all stops to assure users that their privacy was the messenger apps priority. WhatsApp is currently on backfoot after its new privacy policy led to thousands of users choosing to switch to rival apps such as Telegram and Signal. On Sunday, Whatsapp put up status that had messages for its users. "We are committed to your privacy", "WhatsApp can't read or listen to your personal conversations as they are end-to-end encrypted", "WhatsApp can't see your shared location", "WhatsApp doesn't share your contacts with Facebook" These words were put by WhatsApp on its status. The privacy policy changes from WhatsApp were to come into effect on February 8. Users were asked to accept the changes or the app was to be deleted from their phones. However, following the backlash and exodus from its platform, WhatsApp said on Saturday that it was delaying implementation of its policy. The messenger app has gone on a media blitzkrieg in recent days with ads in traditional media as well as online. The status update is part of that outreach. Telegram and Signal have been the main beneficiaries of users' displeasure at WhatsApp. The downloads of both apps have skyrocketted. These apps are considered to be safer. Also Read | WhatsApp delays privacy policy update, Signal faces glitches After the spike in the download, Signal even faced technical issues for several days. It is being said that the crash is due to sudden spike in number of users. Telegram has not made a public declaration of such issue if ever the developers are facing it.

Whatsapp reaches out to users via status, says it values privacy

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update: WhatsApp on Friday said that it was delaying its data-sharing change as the rush to rival messaging apps seriously appeared to dent its near-monopoly in several global markets. On the same day, Signal app faced technical difficulties. A message on the app's homepage said that the developers were "working very hard to restore service as quickly as possible". Signal and Telegram have massively benefitted from users' search for a secure app in light of privacy concerns surrounding WhatsApp in accordance with its new policy. WhatsApp had earlier asked users to accept the changes and declared that the app will be unintstalled on February 8 if a user doesn't take action on policy changes.

"We're now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms," WhatsApp said in a blog post.

The platform said it would instead "go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15."

There was a massive spike in downloads of Signal and Telegram ever since WhatsApp privacy concerns made users across the globe worried. Signal saw more than 100,000 downloads while Telegram was downloaded 2.2 million times in just two days last week, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/india-leading-signals-growth-following-whatsapp-user-data-row-claims-coo-356715">India leading Signal's growth following WhatsApp user data row, claims COO</a>

New Installs of WhatsApp fell by 11 per cent in the first week of 2021 compared to the previous week.

The update concerns how merchants using WhatsApp to chat with customers can share data with Facebook, which could use the information for targeted ads, according to the social network.

"We can't see your private messages or hear your calls, and neither can Facebook," WhatsApp said in an earlier blog post.

"We don't keep logs of who everyone is messaging or calling. We can't see your shared location and neither can Facebook."

Location data along with message contents is encrypted end-to-end, according to WhatsApp.

"We're giving businesses the option to use secure hosting services from Facebook to manage WhatsApp chats with their customers, answer questions, and send helpful information like purchase receipts," WhatsApp said in a post.

(With agency inputs)

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update: WhatsApp on Friday said that it was delaying its data-sharing change as the rush to rival messaging apps seriously appeared to dent its near-monopoly in several global markets.

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update: WhatsApp on Friday said that it was delaying its data-sharing change as the rush to rival messaging apps seriously appeared to dent its near-monopoly in several global markets. On the same day, Signal app faced technical difficulties. A message on the app's homepage said that the developers were "working very hard to restore service as quickly as possible". Signal and Telegram have massively benefitted from users' search for a secure app in light of privacy concerns surrounding WhatsApp in accordance with its new policy. WhatsApp had earlier asked users to accept the changes and declared that the app will be unintstalled on February 8 if a user doesn't take action on policy changes. "We're now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms," WhatsApp said in a blog post. The platform said it would instead "go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15." There was a massive spike in downloads of Signal and Telegram ever since WhatsApp privacy concerns made users across the globe worried. Signal saw more than 100,000 downloads while Telegram was downloaded 2.2 million times in just two days last week, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower Also Read | India leading Signal's growth following WhatsApp user data row, claims COO New Installs of WhatsApp fell by 11 per cent in the first week of 2021 compared to the previous week. The update concerns how merchants using WhatsApp to chat with customers can share data with Facebook, which could use the information for targeted ads, according to the social network. "We can't see your private messages or hear your calls, and neither can Facebook," WhatsApp said in an earlier blog post. "We don't keep logs of who everyone is messaging or calling. We can't see your shared location and neither can Facebook." Location data along with message contents is encrypted end-to-end, according to WhatsApp. "We're giving businesses the option to use secure hosting services from Facebook to manage WhatsApp chats with their customers, answer questions, and send helpful information like purchase receipts," WhatsApp said in a post. (With agency inputs)

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update, Signal faces glitches

Domestic abuse has increased at an alarming rate all over the world in the lockdown during the pandemic year. The government of the UK has taken it upon themselves to provide help to victims of abuse by launching a special campaign.

As the country entered another lockdown, the UK ministers have launched a national scheme where abuse victims can visit any local pharmacy and ask for "Ani". Once the customer uses the code word, the staff present at the pharmacies will be alerted.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-rise-in-domestic-violence-cases-as-covid-19-lockdown-turns-into-captivity-for-many-women-290213">Global rise in domestic violence cases as Covid-19 lockdown turns into captivity for many women</a>

As soon as the customer/victim asks for "Ani", he/she will be given a chance to go to a private space to talk on an urgent basis and will then be given opportunities to reach out for help to the police and other&nbsp;domestic abuse helplines.

The code word "Ani" stands for "action needed immediately". As of now, the scheme has been brought into effect with immediate effect in&nbsp;2,300 Boots stores and in 255 independent pharmacies. More local pharmacies have been urged to sign up for this nation-wide run scheme.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-use-gps-tags-to-track-domestic-violence-abusers-experts-unsure-about-effectiveness-338495">&nbsp;France to use GPS tags to track domestic violence abusers. Experts unsure about effectiveness</a>

While this is a government-run scheme, British ministers are individually, too, urging local businesses and employers to provide better safeguarding and support to employees they suspect are being subjected to domestic or sexual abuse at home amid another lockdown.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
No one should have to suffer domestic abuse in silence. From experience, I know that bosses &amp; colleagues can play a crucial role helping survivors access support. 
 
I've written to employers across the UK setting out simple steps they can take to do more👇<a href="https://t.co/U5gPqQ4N5a">https://t.co/U5gPqQ4N5a</a>
— Paul Scully MP (@scullyp) <a href="https://twitter.com/scullyp/status/1349692754843066368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Paul Scully, a Conservative MP, has written an open letter to employers urging the same. "As you may be aware, the first lockdown in March last year precipitated a surge in calls for domestic abuse services, with Refuge reporting an 80% increase in calls to their domestic abuse hotline," his letter read. "Troubling recent reports seem to indicate that this trend has continued in the current lockdown. In light of this, I would like to urge you to look at what more your organisation can do to help survivors of domestic abuse."

Scully also listed out various points for employers through which they can help their employees. The points included steps such as raising awareness about domestic abuse, promoting inclusiveness, extending support and free support etc.

Domestic abuse has increased at an alarming rate all over the world in the lockdown during the pandemic year. The government of the UK has taken it upon themselves to provide help to victims of abuse by launching a special campaign.

Domestic abuse has increased at an alarming rate all over the world in the lockdown during the pandemic year. The government of the UK has taken it upon themselves to provide help to victims of abuse by launching a special campaign. As the country entered another lockdown, the UK ministers have launched a national scheme where abuse victims can visit any local pharmacy and ask for "Ani". Once the customer uses the code word, the staff present at the pharmacies will be alerted. Also read| Global rise in domestic violence cases as Covid-19 lockdown turns into captivity for many women As soon as the customer/victim asks for "Ani", he/she will be given a chance to go to a private space to talk on an urgent basis and will then be given opportunities to reach out for help to the police and other domestic abuse helplines. The code word "Ani" stands for "action needed immediately". As of now, the scheme has been brought into effect with immediate effect in 2,300 Boots stores and in 255 independent pharmacies. More local pharmacies have been urged to sign up for this nation-wide run scheme. Also read| France to use GPS tags to track domestic violence abusers. Experts unsure about effectiveness While this is a government-run scheme, British ministers are individually, too, urging local businesses and employers to provide better safeguarding and support to employees they suspect are being subjected to domestic or sexual abuse at home amid another lockdown. No one should have to suffer domestic abuse in silence. From experience, I know that bosses & colleagues can play a crucial role helping survivors access support. I've written to employers across the UK setting out simple steps they can take to do more👇https://t.co/U5gPqQ4N5a — Paul Scully MP (@scullyp) January 14, 2021 × Paul Scully, a Conservative MP, has written an open letter to employers urging the same. "As you may be aware, the first lockdown in March last year precipitated a surge in calls for domestic abuse services, with Refuge reporting an 80% increase in calls to their domestic abuse hotline," his letter read. "Troubling recent reports seem to indicate that this trend has continued in the current lockdown. In light of this, I would like to urge you to look at what more your organisation can do to help survivors of domestic abuse." Scully also listed out various points for employers through which they can help their employees. The points included steps such as raising awareness about domestic abuse, promoting inclusiveness, extending support and free support etc.

Ask for Ani: UK provides code word for domestic abuse survivors

After a great shift of users from Whatsapp over privacy concerns, users have been downloading the Signal app in India more than in any other nation, the messaging app claimed.&nbsp;

"We have recently become India's most popular app and are also trending as no. 1 on Apple (in 70 countries) and Android (in 35 countries) … Undoubtedly, India is currently leading our growth, with people adopting Signal in record numbers,” the app's Chief Operating Officer Aruna Harder told ThePrint.

Watch |&nbsp;

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The official however did not share the specific number of people using the app in India.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/use-signal-how-elon-musks-tweet-about-the-app-benefitted-a-ngo-356260">'Use Signal': How Elon Musk's tweet about the app benefitted a NGO</a>

Harder also said that India has always been ahead than other countries when it comes to "adopting the best technology"' and endorsement of the app by business tycoons like Anand Mahindra and Vijay Shekhar Sharma has helped its case.&nbsp;

"As a country, India has always been ahead of the curve at adopting the best technology," Harder said.

"The tweets from millions of new Signal users, with big voices like Anand Mahindra among them, is just really amazing. We recently read that Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, PhonePe co-founder Sameer Nigam and Cred founder Kunal Shah have also begun using Signal."

Whatsapp is facing a lot of criticism after concerns were raised over the app's new security update that allows Facebook to collect Whatsapp's user data. 
&nbsp;

After a great shift of users from Whatsapp over privacy concerns, users have been downloading the Signal app in India more than in any other nation, the messaging app claimed.

After a great shift of users from Whatsapp over privacy concerns, users have been downloading the Signal app in India more than in any other nation, the messaging app claimed. "We have recently become India's most popular app and are also trending as no. 1 on Apple (in 70 countries) and Android (in 35 countries) … Undoubtedly, India is currently leading our growth, with people adopting Signal in record numbers,” the app's Chief Operating Officer Aruna Harder told ThePrint. Watch | The official however did not share the specific number of people using the app in India. Also read | 'Use Signal': How Elon Musk's tweet about the app benefitted a NGO Harder also said that India has always been ahead than other countries when it comes to "adopting the best technology"' and endorsement of the app by business tycoons like Anand Mahindra and Vijay Shekhar Sharma has helped its case. "As a country, India has always been ahead of the curve at adopting the best technology," Harder said. "The tweets from millions of new Signal users, with big voices like Anand Mahindra among them, is just really amazing. We recently read that Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, PhonePe co-founder Sameer Nigam and Cred founder Kunal Shah have also begun using Signal." Whatsapp is facing a lot of criticism after concerns were raised over the app's new security update that allows Facebook to collect Whatsapp's user data.

India leading Signal's growth following WhatsApp user data row, claims COO

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