Signal Introduces Phone Number-Free Signup via Google Play Purchase
Encrypted messenger tests $2.99 account IDs to combat spam while raising privacy questions.
1Phone number alternative
Signal's Android 8.28 beta introduces paid account creation without phone numbers, priced at $2.99 (€3.49 with VAT). The feature generates an Account ID and recovery key, requiring secure storage as there's no account recovery mechanism. Phone number registration remains the free default option, while numberless accounts are completely unreachable unless users initiate chats.
2Anti-spam rationale
Signal's lead Android developer explained the payment requirement prevents spam by creating financial friction. Free numberless accounts would enable mass spam operations. The team considers $2.99 the minimum viable price to deter abuse while remaining accessible. They acknowledge potential future price increases if spam persists through this vector.
3Google Play dependency
Android users must complete purchases through Google Play's billing system, requiring Play Services and a payment-enabled Google account. This creates a tracking point Google can associate with the Signal account creation time. While Signal uses zero-knowledge proofs to separate payment from account data, timing analysis could theoretically link the two via Google's records.
4De-Googled Android conflict
Privacy-focused Android users running de-Googled systems like GrapheneOS currently can't access numberless accounts due to the Play Store requirement. These users represent Signal's core privacy-conscious demographic yet are excluded from the very feature designed to enhance privacy. Signal acknowledges this contradiction but hasn't announced alternative payment methods yet.
5Cryptocurrency possibilities
Signal already accepts cryptocurrency donations and previously integrated MobileCoin for payments. The current implementation contrasts with these privacy-preserving options. Third-party forks like Radar Chat demonstrate Bitcoin Lightning Network integration is technically feasible. Signal plans additional payment methods but hasn't specified cryptocurrencies or timelines.
6Existing account limitations
Current Signal users can't remove their registered phone numbers yet. The development team is still evaluating implications of migrating existing accounts to numberless IDs. This temporary limitation means early adopters must maintain dual identities or create new accounts to access the privacy feature.
7Username optionality
Numberless accounts can operate without usernames, making them completely invisible in Signal's network. Without a username, users can only initiate chats but can't be discovered or contacted by others. This creates truly ephemeral communication channels while potentially limiting practical utility for regular messaging.
8Privacy tradeoffs
The update represents both progress and compromise in Signal's privacy model. While eliminating phone number requirements addresses a major criticism, the Google Play dependency introduces new metadata risks. The solution balances spam prevention with accessibility but may not satisfy hardcore privacy advocates seeking complete anonymity.
Original article: Gizmodo — Signal Introduces Phone Number-Free Signup via Google Play Purchase