Just in time for the holidays, Signal is introducing encrypted group calls to its communication platform. In similar fashion to Thanksgiving this year, group video calls are likely to be popular during a Christmas season where many people around the world won't be gathering like normal. With Signal, users will be able to enjoy an added sense of privacy as they connect with their loved ones.
Founded in 2014, Signal describes itself as a "simple, powerful, and secure messenger" that allows users to send texts, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and files for free. The company prides itself on privacy, claiming that its state-of-the-art, end-to-end encryption makes it so that every conversation or phone call stays between the intended parties. Signal also doesn't have ads or affiliate marketers, instead relying on being an independent nonprofit funded by grants and donations.
The newly added encrypted group calls allow up to five participants to chat. To make a group call, Signal users can open a group chat in the Signal app, then tap the video call button at the top of the chat. When a call is started, everyone in the group is notified. The app arranges the participants in a grid view, though, like Zoom, it can be switched to a view that puts a spotlight on the person that is speaking.
Signal Or Another For Group Video Calls?
Signal's introduction of group video calls is encouraging and for people who view privacy as a priority, it is a well-regarded service to use. The main reason why many people may opt for a different service, like Zoom, centers around Signal's current inability to allow more than five members in a group call at once. The company said in its blog post that it's working to let more participants in group calls soon. Compared to the free version of Zoom, which can host up to 100 participants at once, five is very low.
Of course, Zoom does limit its free group calls to 40 minutes, whereas Signal did not list any time constraints in its video call announcement, and Zoom and other video chat services have well-documented privacy issues. Unless there is sensitive information being discussed, though, that needn't be a major concern for most video chats, and platforms like Zoom or Google Meet are excellent, convenient platforms on which to video chat for free in larger groups. For those wanting more assured privacy and who can chat in small groups, though, Signal now offers a good alternative.
Source: Signal